There was no post last night, as I had no corresponding post for yesterday's date last year. Tonight, one of my favorite reviews. You can tell because it's possibly the most detailed review.
...
As I promised yesterday, I'm back tonight with another Christmas review. Tonight, I'll be looking at an episode of the 1960s iteration of Dragnet, titled "The Christmas Story", which originally aired December 21, 1967.
On Christmas Eve, Sergeant Joe Friday (working in Burglary/Auto Theft division in this episode) is sitting at his desk, making out the last of his Christmas cards. Bill Gannon, his partner, comes in with a little fir tree cutting for a table-top Christmas tree. Gannon gives Friday a little grief for buying his girlfriend a monogrammed stationary set for Christmas, until Gannon lets slip that he bought his wife a sewing machine.
They get called out to the San Fernando Mission Church, where the parish priest, Father Rojas, reports that the baby Jesus statue has been stolen from the Nativity scene. Father Rojas emphasizes how meaningful the Nativity scene is to the largely poor parishioners. Friday and Gannon begin searching for the statue but face little chance of getting it back in time for Christmas the next day. They try a store that sells religious figures but don't learn anything useful.
Friday and Gannon are visited by one of the altar boys, who tells them he saw a man leaving the church with a bundle about the size of the statue. They determine that the man is named Claude Stroup (actor/musician/composer Bobby Troup) and that he has a record. Friday and Gannon find Stroup at the mens' hotel where he lives. When they take him downtown for questioning, it quickly becomes clear that Stroup has nothing to do with the missing statue and they release him.
Friday and Gannon return to the church to tell Father Rojas of their failure to the find the baby Jesus statue. As they are about to speak to the Father, a little boy comes into the church, pulling a wagon with the baby Jesus statue inside it. The boy, Paquito, tells the men that he prayed for a new wagon and promised to give the baby Jesus a ride if he got one. Paquito admits to taking the statue, but all is forgiven. Friday and Gannon depart to celebrate Christmas.
…
"The Christmas Story" is in fact the third time that Dragnet creator/star Jack Webb adapted this story. It was first adapted for the radio version of Dragnet under the name "The Big Little Jesus" on December 22, 1953. It was then produced for the first TV version of Dragnet and aired just two days after the radio version, on Christmas Eve, 1953. As with every episode of Dragnet, " The Christmas Story" is based upon an actual event. Unlike every other episode, this story is taken from the files of the San Francisco Police Department rather than the Los Angeles Police Department.
Series creator Jack Webb strove for a level of technical accuracy that had not been seen before in a police series. Appropriate terminology and techniques were applied to the scripts. This could vary in anything from investigative technique to evidence gathering to depicting the duties of officers throughout the department.
As far back as the 1950s, Webb sought to make clear, though his character Joe Friday, that police work takes long hours and effort to doggedly pursue evidence to catch criminals. Webb presciently noted that brilliant deductions based on scant evidence don't really happen in actual police work, as seems so prevalent on police shows these days. Dragnet sought to depict policemen as hard-working people making sacrifices for the greater good, and worked to improve both public perceptions of the police and how police could and should work within the community.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Christmas Review night six
Tonight, night six of my Christmas reviews. My brother and I watched what is routinely considered one of the worst movies ever made, 1964's Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
Normally, I would write a fairly detailed summary of the plot, but that's not really necessary for this "classic". The plot is as follows:
Martian children are depressed, and the King of Mars, Kimar, is told that Mars needs a Santa Claus. Despite the objections of a renegade Martian, Kimar abducts Santa to Mars along with two kids, Betty and Billy Foster. The renegade Martian, Voldar, tries to undermine Kimar and Santa's efforts to bring Christmas to the children of Mars. However, Santa stops him with the help of the kids and of Dropo, a goofy but kindhearted Martian who Santa makes the official Santa Claus of Mars.
…
I don't want to give this movie any more attention than it deserves, because this movie was the worst thing I've had to watch for these Christmas reviews. Instead of writing a fully detailed review, I'm just going to write bullet points listing some of my observations.
-This movie doesn't seem to have been made for a lot of money. There are a couple of action sequences where it seems the only direction was "Whatever you do, don't break anything! We don't have the money to replace it if it breaks!" One scene features the worst polar bear costume I've ever seen; it wants so badly to be intimidating, which is difficult to do when you resemble a stuffed bear with all the stuffing removed.
-Santa Claus is about the most unlikable character in this movie. He tries to say funny things but none of what he says is funny; he's so bad even the kids in the movie don't laugh at him and typically, child characters would be written to find everything Santa says wildly hysterical. If anything, it gave my brother and I the impression that the child actors were the only ones who realized what a stinker they were making. Also, he has kind of a creepy vibe about him. It might be due to the fact that the actor playing Santa opted to affect a rather sinister laugh rather than just doing the typical "Ho, Ho, Ho!"
-I have a hard time imagining anyone actually enjoying this film as a "good movie". It's so boring that adults would get antsy trying to sit through this with their kids. As for kids, I can't really see this movie holding a child's attention for very long. A lot happens, but none of it adds up to much. If given a choice, I can't picture a kid sticking with this movie for the long haul.
-The movie is also plagued by pacing problems, one of the hallmarks of a truly great bad film. The movie takes nearly a half-hour to get going plot wise, which is far too long for an eighty-minute movie. I think the filmmakers realized they had been wasting a lot of time, because the movie rushes to a lame, unsatisfying climax; we get a "fight" in Santa's Martian toy room where the previous "DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!" direction seems to have been used.
-The movie is also plagued by pacing problems, one of the hallmarks of a truly great bad film. The movie takes nearly a half-hour to get going plot wise, which is far too long for an eighty-minute movie. I think the filmmakers realized they had been wasting a lot of time, because the movie rushes to a lame, unsatisfying climax; we get a "fight" in Santa's Martian toy room where the previous "DON'T BREAK ANYTHING!" direction seems to have been used.
Can't recommend this film, unless you're an aficionado of bad cinema.
…
Update-December 21, 2015: When I reviewed this movie on my old blog last year, I actually had a copy of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians for the previous couple of years, but had trouble getting myself to sit down and watch it. I knew it was bad by reputation, but some movies are just so awful that they can exceed your expectations of awfulness. This movie has nothing going for it at all.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Christmas Review Night five
Day five of my Christmas reviews. Tonight, The Simpsons Christmas Special, otherwise known by the name "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire", which first aired on December 17, 1989.
Homer and Marge show up late to the Springfield Elementary Christmas pageant, featuring Bart in the fourth grade choir singing "Jingle Bells" ("Batman smells/Robin laid an egg…) and Lisa as the torch-juggling Tawanga, the Santa Claus of the South Seas.
Back at home, the kids begin making out their Christmas lists: a pony for Lisa and a tattoo for Bart. Homer, meanwhile, finds out he won't be getting his Christmas bonus. Marge takes the kids Christmas shopping with her jar full of Christmas money, but is forced to use it to get laser removal for the tattoo Bart tries to get behind her back. This leaves the family without funds for Christmas, though Homer has kept the truth about his bonus from Marge.
Depressed, Homer nurses a beer at Moe's Tavern when Barney comes in wearing a Santa suit. He gets Homer a secret part-time job as a mall Santa, but Bart discovers the truth when he jumps in Homer's lap and yanks his false beard. Left with only thirteen dollars after deductions for his efforts, Homer is talked into trying his luck at the dog track with Barney. He dismisses Barney's hot tip after hearing about a dog named Santa's Little Helper, taking it as a sign. Barney's dog wins while Santa's Little Helper takes a distant last place.
Homer and Bart try searching the parking lot for a discarded winning ticket, but get nowhere. As they start for home, they come across Santa's Little Helper, tossed out by his owner for losing too many races. Homer and Bart take him home, seeing a kindred spirit in a born loser. Homer comes in and starts to confess to the family about his bonus, but Bart brings in Santa's Little Helper to the surprise and delight of the family. In the end, Homer saves Christmas for the family after all.
…
This is one of my favorite Christmas specials ever; it might be the one I like the most.
Having turned thirty this year, I'm old enough to remember those earliest days of The Simpsons, when parents believed that Bart Simpson was a bad influence. Maybe he was at the time, but looking back on those oldest episodes, Bart's antics can sometimes seem almost quaint in comparison to what happens on television now. Times change, I guess.
By the time of this special, the Simpsons characters had already been on television for two years, as brief shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show, which debuted on Fox in the spring of 1987. This episode depicts a time so early in the actors' performances that Homer still had traces of his original voice, which slowly evolved over time. At this point, actor Dan Castellaneta was still doing, as he put it, a bad Walter Matthau impression. At this point, Homer hasn't quite taken on that higher-sounding slow-headed pitch his voice would have.
Homer and Marge show up late to the Springfield Elementary Christmas pageant, featuring Bart in the fourth grade choir singing "Jingle Bells" ("Batman smells/Robin laid an egg…) and Lisa as the torch-juggling Tawanga, the Santa Claus of the South Seas.
Back at home, the kids begin making out their Christmas lists: a pony for Lisa and a tattoo for Bart. Homer, meanwhile, finds out he won't be getting his Christmas bonus. Marge takes the kids Christmas shopping with her jar full of Christmas money, but is forced to use it to get laser removal for the tattoo Bart tries to get behind her back. This leaves the family without funds for Christmas, though Homer has kept the truth about his bonus from Marge.
Depressed, Homer nurses a beer at Moe's Tavern when Barney comes in wearing a Santa suit. He gets Homer a secret part-time job as a mall Santa, but Bart discovers the truth when he jumps in Homer's lap and yanks his false beard. Left with only thirteen dollars after deductions for his efforts, Homer is talked into trying his luck at the dog track with Barney. He dismisses Barney's hot tip after hearing about a dog named Santa's Little Helper, taking it as a sign. Barney's dog wins while Santa's Little Helper takes a distant last place.
Homer and Bart try searching the parking lot for a discarded winning ticket, but get nowhere. As they start for home, they come across Santa's Little Helper, tossed out by his owner for losing too many races. Homer and Bart take him home, seeing a kindred spirit in a born loser. Homer comes in and starts to confess to the family about his bonus, but Bart brings in Santa's Little Helper to the surprise and delight of the family. In the end, Homer saves Christmas for the family after all.
…
This is one of my favorite Christmas specials ever; it might be the one I like the most.
Having turned thirty this year, I'm old enough to remember those earliest days of The Simpsons, when parents believed that Bart Simpson was a bad influence. Maybe he was at the time, but looking back on those oldest episodes, Bart's antics can sometimes seem almost quaint in comparison to what happens on television now. Times change, I guess.
By the time of this special, the Simpsons characters had already been on television for two years, as brief shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show, which debuted on Fox in the spring of 1987. This episode depicts a time so early in the actors' performances that Homer still had traces of his original voice, which slowly evolved over time. At this point, actor Dan Castellaneta was still doing, as he put it, a bad Walter Matthau impression. At this point, Homer hasn't quite taken on that higher-sounding slow-headed pitch his voice would have.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Christmas Review night four
Tonight, we'll be looking at the Christmas episode of the 1960s series The Avengers, entitled "Too Many Christmas Trees". The series has nothing to do with any of the Marvel Comics books or characters, or any of the recent movies, other than that the 2012 Avengers movie had to be renamed Avengers Assemble in Great Britain because of the rights to the name.
In the story, British agent John Steed has been having bizarre dreams that seem to predict future events and feature a sinister-looking Santa Claus. He dreams about seeing the death of a colleague who's fallen under suspicion, and wakes to find the colleague's death is front page news, the result of severe neurological trauma.
It becomes clear that a group of genuine psychics are behind both the deaths and Steed's dreams. The group is also responsible for the leaked information that first cast suspicion on Steed's dead colleague. Meanwhile, Mrs. Emma Peel invites Steed to spend Christmas with her at the country home of Brandon Storey, a publisher with an obsession with Dickens. When they arrive, we find the psychics among the other guests and house staff.
Steed's dreams continue, now depicting him as Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities, a mysterious woman leading him to the guillotine. His dream again comes true when the woman, Janice Crane, shows up as a guest for Christmas and is herself one of the psychic conspirators. At the party that evening, Janice tries a "parlor trick" on Steed where she reads my mind, preparing for the final psychic attack. Mrs. Peel drops a glass to break Janice's concentration, but it seems the work has been done.
Steed begins acting strangely, singing old nursery rhymes to himself. Mrs. Peel discovers that Steed was to be drugged to help him sleep (and be vulnerable to psychic attack), but Steed himself thwarts this. The singing is a form of mental defense, confusing his attackers with literal nonsense. Steed has already deciphered what's happening, and his singing was prescribed by Doctor Teasel, a seemingly sinister guest who actually works for the same government ministry as Steed.
Steed's dream imagery lead him and Mrs. Peel to the conspirators. A physical confrontation thwarts the conspirators' plans and reveals that the true ringleader (and the man behind the sinister Santa Claus) is their host, Brandon Storey.
…
This is one of my favorite episodes of The Avengers, full of atmosphere as it evokes an old-fashioned Dickensian Christmas. Storey's obsession with Dickens extends to Dickens busts throughout his large house, character costumes at the Christmas party (Oliver Twist, Jacob Marley, and the Artful Dodger among them) and the Hall of Great Expectations, recreating Miss Havisham's neglected wedding feast.
This episode's Dickensian connection runs deeper than its plot-line. Series star Patrick Macnee (John Steed) had a small role as young Jacob Marley in the 1951 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, simply titled Scrooge, in which guest star Mervyn Johns (Brandon Storey) played Bob Cratchit. I cannot prove it, but I tend to doubt his involvement was any sort of coincidence, considering that Scrooge was quite popular at the time, and is generally regarded as one of the more faithful Dickens adaptations.
…
Update: December 19, 2016- I posted this on my previous blog exactly one year ago. At that time, I began the review with a brief paragraph about how I'd been sick that week. Just a minor note that these reviews are subjected to some minor edits and/or revisions as needed. Also, I would like to write more reviews of movies and TV shows like the ones I've been posting thee past few days. I've already considering a review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That will probably wait until after the Christmas seasons, and the end of these review reposts from last year.
In the story, British agent John Steed has been having bizarre dreams that seem to predict future events and feature a sinister-looking Santa Claus. He dreams about seeing the death of a colleague who's fallen under suspicion, and wakes to find the colleague's death is front page news, the result of severe neurological trauma.
It becomes clear that a group of genuine psychics are behind both the deaths and Steed's dreams. The group is also responsible for the leaked information that first cast suspicion on Steed's dead colleague. Meanwhile, Mrs. Emma Peel invites Steed to spend Christmas with her at the country home of Brandon Storey, a publisher with an obsession with Dickens. When they arrive, we find the psychics among the other guests and house staff.
Steed's dreams continue, now depicting him as Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities, a mysterious woman leading him to the guillotine. His dream again comes true when the woman, Janice Crane, shows up as a guest for Christmas and is herself one of the psychic conspirators. At the party that evening, Janice tries a "parlor trick" on Steed where she reads my mind, preparing for the final psychic attack. Mrs. Peel drops a glass to break Janice's concentration, but it seems the work has been done.
Steed begins acting strangely, singing old nursery rhymes to himself. Mrs. Peel discovers that Steed was to be drugged to help him sleep (and be vulnerable to psychic attack), but Steed himself thwarts this. The singing is a form of mental defense, confusing his attackers with literal nonsense. Steed has already deciphered what's happening, and his singing was prescribed by Doctor Teasel, a seemingly sinister guest who actually works for the same government ministry as Steed.
Steed's dream imagery lead him and Mrs. Peel to the conspirators. A physical confrontation thwarts the conspirators' plans and reveals that the true ringleader (and the man behind the sinister Santa Claus) is their host, Brandon Storey.
…
This is one of my favorite episodes of The Avengers, full of atmosphere as it evokes an old-fashioned Dickensian Christmas. Storey's obsession with Dickens extends to Dickens busts throughout his large house, character costumes at the Christmas party (Oliver Twist, Jacob Marley, and the Artful Dodger among them) and the Hall of Great Expectations, recreating Miss Havisham's neglected wedding feast.
This episode's Dickensian connection runs deeper than its plot-line. Series star Patrick Macnee (John Steed) had a small role as young Jacob Marley in the 1951 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, simply titled Scrooge, in which guest star Mervyn Johns (Brandon Storey) played Bob Cratchit. I cannot prove it, but I tend to doubt his involvement was any sort of coincidence, considering that Scrooge was quite popular at the time, and is generally regarded as one of the more faithful Dickens adaptations.
…
Update: December 19, 2016- I posted this on my previous blog exactly one year ago. At that time, I began the review with a brief paragraph about how I'd been sick that week. Just a minor note that these reviews are subjected to some minor edits and/or revisions as needed. Also, I would like to write more reviews of movies and TV shows like the ones I've been posting thee past few days. I've already considering a review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That will probably wait until after the Christmas seasons, and the end of these review reposts from last year.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Christmas Review night three
Tonight, night three of my Christmas reviews, featuring A Garfield Christmas Special.
Like the Three's Company episode last night, the special had trouble keeping my attention, even though I've enjoyed it in the past.
Jon Arbuckle decides to take Garfield and Odie to his family's farm for Christmas. Waiting for them are Jon's mom and dad, his grandma, and his younger brother, Doc Boy ("In case you've forgotten, I'm also your only brother."). Big family dinners, lots of songs of varying cheesiness, and Odie's plan to make a backscratcher for Garfield fill out the twenty-two minute running time.
At one point, Jon's dad reads the family the same story he reads every year, Binky, the Clown Who Saved Christmas ( "I don't know about you, Jon, but for a couple of minutes there, I was getting pretty worried", says Doc Boy). Jon and Doc Boy try to coax their parents out of bed at 1:30 am to open presents, and we learn that Doc Boy wears onesie pajamas with feet and a fluffy bunny tail. Doc Boy, it should be noted, is a grown man.
Garfield finds a bundle of love letters for Grandma that Grandpa had written her when they were courting, calling them the greatest gift she could've received. Odie gives Garfield the backscratcher, made from a wood plank, a plunger handle, and a hand rake. A good time is had by all in the space of twenty-two minutes.
…
A Garfield Christmas Special is a fun little special if nothing too extraordinary. If you grew up enjoying the show Garfield and Friends, you'll enjoy this special, but chances are you've probably already seen it. I grew up with the show and enjoyed it far more than I ever enjoyed the comic strip. Everything about the show was better: the characters were funnier and did far more interesting things than the stale, repetitive jokes of the comic.
This may be damning with faint praise, but you could do much worse than A Garfield Christmas Special. I wouldn't call it a classic, but check it out if you want something light for the kids that you won't hate yourself for having to sit through.
Like the Three's Company episode last night, the special had trouble keeping my attention, even though I've enjoyed it in the past.
Jon Arbuckle decides to take Garfield and Odie to his family's farm for Christmas. Waiting for them are Jon's mom and dad, his grandma, and his younger brother, Doc Boy ("In case you've forgotten, I'm also your only brother."). Big family dinners, lots of songs of varying cheesiness, and Odie's plan to make a backscratcher for Garfield fill out the twenty-two minute running time.
At one point, Jon's dad reads the family the same story he reads every year, Binky, the Clown Who Saved Christmas ( "I don't know about you, Jon, but for a couple of minutes there, I was getting pretty worried", says Doc Boy). Jon and Doc Boy try to coax their parents out of bed at 1:30 am to open presents, and we learn that Doc Boy wears onesie pajamas with feet and a fluffy bunny tail. Doc Boy, it should be noted, is a grown man.
Garfield finds a bundle of love letters for Grandma that Grandpa had written her when they were courting, calling them the greatest gift she could've received. Odie gives Garfield the backscratcher, made from a wood plank, a plunger handle, and a hand rake. A good time is had by all in the space of twenty-two minutes.
…
A Garfield Christmas Special is a fun little special if nothing too extraordinary. If you grew up enjoying the show Garfield and Friends, you'll enjoy this special, but chances are you've probably already seen it. I grew up with the show and enjoyed it far more than I ever enjoyed the comic strip. Everything about the show was better: the characters were funnier and did far more interesting things than the stale, repetitive jokes of the comic.
This may be damning with faint praise, but you could do much worse than A Garfield Christmas Special. I wouldn't call it a classic, but check it out if you want something light for the kids that you won't hate yourself for having to sit through.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Christmas Review number two
Day two of my Christmas TV/movie reviews. Tonight, I'm watching the Three's Company Christmas episode, simply titled "Three's Christmas".
Jack, Janet, and Chrissy exchange gifts on Christmas morning, leading to Jack wearing one pale blue sock and one argyle sock (each one half of a pair each given to him by Janet and Chrissy). As gifts are exchanged, we learn that Chrissy is a nickname for Christmas, making her full name Christmas Snow. The trio decide to throw a Christmas party, only to discover all their friends are already invited to a different party, but they're not.
Meanwhile, the trio's landlords, Helen and Stanley Roper, come home prematurely from a Christmas weekend at her brother's house, as he and Stanley don't get along. As Mrs. Roper notes, "they keep hitting each other." Not wanting to settle into a non-celebratory Christmas, Mrs Roper invites Jack, Janet and Chrissy to a get-together at their place, which the group reluctantly accepts. As soon as Mrs. Roper leaves, Jack gets a phone call; they're invited to the big Christmas party after all! Chrissy makes the group attend the Ropers' party as promised, Jack and Janet figuring to bow out early for the other party.
The group arrives to find themselves the only guests at the Ropers' party, a pink plastic table-top Christmas tree awaiting them ("It doubles as an air freshener," says Mrs. Roper). Lame card tricks, single fingers of scotch, and tons of bad singing by Mr. Roper abound as the evening progresses. When Mr. Roper tries to get everyone to dance as he (poorly) plays reveille on a trumpet, Jack, Janet, and Chrissy finally find their excuse to leave for the other party.
Mrs. Roper is furious that Stanley has ruined another celebration for her, but it's revealed he had ulterior motives. A phone call earlier in the evening wasn't Helen's brother as he claimed; it turns out they were also invited to the big Christmas party as well, and Stanley had been trying to get rid of the trio so they could attend.
In the end, a fun time is had by all, with the group having to carry Mr. Roper home for Helen ("Just leave him under the tree, I'll unwrap him in the morning.")
…
Tonight is the first time in quite a while that I've watched this episode. As best as I can remember, it was before Christmas 2013 when I last watched this episode. This time around, the show was having trouble keeping my attention. When I was younger, I was a big fan of Three's Company, when the show ran in syndication. I didn't watch it again for years until a few years ago, when the show was released on DVD. It's joined Gilligan's Island as a show I loved when I was a kid, but don't quite hold up before my adult eyes. That's not to say these shows are bad, but that they don't bring quite the same pleasure as when I was a kid. Back them, the pleasure I derived from the show was from John Ritter's great physical comedy in the role of Jack Tripper.
That said, the episode does have some funny moments: Jack thinking about whale-gutting in the Arctic and what he'd rather do than go to the Ropers' party; Chrissy's phone call to her boyfriend, a commercial actor ("the star of Armpit Theater"); Mr. Roper and his horn ("Everybody dance!").
If you're a Three's Company fan, I'd recommend it, but you've probably seen it already. If not, you can skip this one and not miss much.
Jack, Janet, and Chrissy exchange gifts on Christmas morning, leading to Jack wearing one pale blue sock and one argyle sock (each one half of a pair each given to him by Janet and Chrissy). As gifts are exchanged, we learn that Chrissy is a nickname for Christmas, making her full name Christmas Snow. The trio decide to throw a Christmas party, only to discover all their friends are already invited to a different party, but they're not.
Meanwhile, the trio's landlords, Helen and Stanley Roper, come home prematurely from a Christmas weekend at her brother's house, as he and Stanley don't get along. As Mrs. Roper notes, "they keep hitting each other." Not wanting to settle into a non-celebratory Christmas, Mrs Roper invites Jack, Janet and Chrissy to a get-together at their place, which the group reluctantly accepts. As soon as Mrs. Roper leaves, Jack gets a phone call; they're invited to the big Christmas party after all! Chrissy makes the group attend the Ropers' party as promised, Jack and Janet figuring to bow out early for the other party.
The group arrives to find themselves the only guests at the Ropers' party, a pink plastic table-top Christmas tree awaiting them ("It doubles as an air freshener," says Mrs. Roper). Lame card tricks, single fingers of scotch, and tons of bad singing by Mr. Roper abound as the evening progresses. When Mr. Roper tries to get everyone to dance as he (poorly) plays reveille on a trumpet, Jack, Janet, and Chrissy finally find their excuse to leave for the other party.
Mrs. Roper is furious that Stanley has ruined another celebration for her, but it's revealed he had ulterior motives. A phone call earlier in the evening wasn't Helen's brother as he claimed; it turns out they were also invited to the big Christmas party as well, and Stanley had been trying to get rid of the trio so they could attend.
In the end, a fun time is had by all, with the group having to carry Mr. Roper home for Helen ("Just leave him under the tree, I'll unwrap him in the morning.")
…
Tonight is the first time in quite a while that I've watched this episode. As best as I can remember, it was before Christmas 2013 when I last watched this episode. This time around, the show was having trouble keeping my attention. When I was younger, I was a big fan of Three's Company, when the show ran in syndication. I didn't watch it again for years until a few years ago, when the show was released on DVD. It's joined Gilligan's Island as a show I loved when I was a kid, but don't quite hold up before my adult eyes. That's not to say these shows are bad, but that they don't bring quite the same pleasure as when I was a kid. Back them, the pleasure I derived from the show was from John Ritter's great physical comedy in the role of Jack Tripper.
That said, the episode does have some funny moments: Jack thinking about whale-gutting in the Arctic and what he'd rather do than go to the Ropers' party; Chrissy's phone call to her boyfriend, a commercial actor ("the star of Armpit Theater"); Mr. Roper and his horn ("Everybody dance!").
If you're a Three's Company fan, I'd recommend it, but you've probably seen it already. If not, you can skip this one and not miss much.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Christmas Review number one
This is the first of the Christmas movie and TV reviews I did last year for my previous blog. I will be reposting one every night for the next week or so. Enjoy.
...
Tonight is the first night of my Christmas TV and movie reviews. We'll be looking at the "Christmas Story" episode of The Andy Griffith Show, which first aired December 19, 1960.
In this episode, Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with friends and family, when shopkeeper Ben Weaver runs in local man Sam Muggins for moonshining. Old, cantankerous Weaver is not in the Christmas spirit, and doesn't care if locking up Sam separates him from his family for the holidays.
Andy, ever resourceful, makes the best of the situation, "arresting" Sam's wife and children as "accessories" to his moonshining so they can be together for Christmas. Andy even moves their whole Christmas party into the jail (with Barney dressed as Santa) so everyone can celebrate together.
Weaver, meanwhile, finds himself caught up in the Christmas spirit but can't bring himself to join in the celebrations without cause, resorting to getting himself arrested just so he'll have an excuse to be at the party. A good time is had by all, with Weaver drinking up the only evidence of moonshining he had against Sam Muggins.
…
I very much enjoy The Andy Griffith Show. I think what I like best is its' attitude about trying to see and find the best in people. In a modern sitcom environment where humor is derived from hateful behavior between characters and a generally inaccurate understanding of irony, TAGS' humor is radical in its willingness to just let its' characters say and do funny things. The humor is derived from the situation and how the characters respond rather than simply letting them make inane smart-aleck remarks that almost gleam with lack of creativity or inventiveness.
Also, TAGS also depicts something you'd never see on a modern sitcom: people singing hymns. This episode featuring the characters singing "Away In A Manger", whereas a modern Christmas show would probably feature "Jingle Bells" or some other secular Christmas song. I'm always a little surprised when I hear an actual hymn on a TV show.
…
Come on back tomorrow; I think I'll tackle the Christmas episode of Three's Company.
...
Tonight is the first night of my Christmas TV and movie reviews. We'll be looking at the "Christmas Story" episode of The Andy Griffith Show, which first aired December 19, 1960.
In this episode, Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with friends and family, when shopkeeper Ben Weaver runs in local man Sam Muggins for moonshining. Old, cantankerous Weaver is not in the Christmas spirit, and doesn't care if locking up Sam separates him from his family for the holidays.
Andy, ever resourceful, makes the best of the situation, "arresting" Sam's wife and children as "accessories" to his moonshining so they can be together for Christmas. Andy even moves their whole Christmas party into the jail (with Barney dressed as Santa) so everyone can celebrate together.
Weaver, meanwhile, finds himself caught up in the Christmas spirit but can't bring himself to join in the celebrations without cause, resorting to getting himself arrested just so he'll have an excuse to be at the party. A good time is had by all, with Weaver drinking up the only evidence of moonshining he had against Sam Muggins.
…
I very much enjoy The Andy Griffith Show. I think what I like best is its' attitude about trying to see and find the best in people. In a modern sitcom environment where humor is derived from hateful behavior between characters and a generally inaccurate understanding of irony, TAGS' humor is radical in its willingness to just let its' characters say and do funny things. The humor is derived from the situation and how the characters respond rather than simply letting them make inane smart-aleck remarks that almost gleam with lack of creativity or inventiveness.
Also, TAGS also depicts something you'd never see on a modern sitcom: people singing hymns. This episode featuring the characters singing "Away In A Manger", whereas a modern Christmas show would probably feature "Jingle Bells" or some other secular Christmas song. I'm always a little surprised when I hear an actual hymn on a TV show.
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Come on back tomorrow; I think I'll tackle the Christmas episode of Three's Company.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Good for last year, so good for this year?
I have decided to do something for the blog this Christmas. On my previous blog, I spent this time last year reviewing various Christmas movies or episodes of TV series. I did quite a few of them last year, so I'm going to repost them this year.
Starting tomorrow, there will be a post every day for about the next week or so. See you then.
Starting tomorrow, there will be a post every day for about the next week or so. See you then.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Back at it and down again
It's not that I haven't thought about posting anything, or even a lack of opportunity. I realize that I last posted the day before Halloween, which is now nearly six weeks ago. It's just that in those moments when I thought I should write something, I couldn't work up the motivation. Being unmotivated is bad for writing (as though that weren't obvious).
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The last time I wrote, I was stuck at home with an active case of shingles. This time, it's a pinched sciatic nerve in my left leg. The doctor said no strenuous activity, and since I'm on my feet all day at work, that's out for the rest of the week. Even if I'm good for Monday, I'm going to be off riding my bike to work for a while. I was actually working forward to going back to work, something I admit I don't typically experience.
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Christmas shopping starts tomorrow, hopefully. The way we do it, each member of the family draws the name of another member, and you are beholden to buy a gift just for that person. You are free to buy gifts for others as well, but it eases the burden for everyone when they know they only have to shop for one.
Also, no one ever asks for anything really extravagant. I'm not having to keep anyone in ermine and pearls.
That's such an old expression. Nobody wears fur anymore.
I think I better stop before I fall down a rabbit hole of old expressions and outdated fashion trends.
Friday, October 30, 2015
The day before Halloween
This is the first post I've written in approximately eight weeks. It's certainly not the first time since then that I've thought about writing anything. I've thought of things I could sit down and write about, but I couldn't find the motivation. Just a couple of days, I figured I was done with this, and thought this blog would just pass into the endless sea of abandoned Internet detritus. Ever since I decided not to force myself to update on a regular basis, I think I got lazy and unmotivated.
A lot has happened since my last post. My thirty-first birthday was this last Sunday, October 25th, and I was able to celebrate with a group of friends after church. Lunch gave me the opportunity to catch up with people, many of whom I had not seen in the area of several months.
One downside of last weekend was the unexpected gift of a case of shingles. As a result, what was meant to be just one paid day off on Monday turned into having to take the entire week off work because I was potentially contagious to anyone who might not have had chicken pox and for any coworkers who are pregnant (of which I have at least one). I'm tentatively scheduled to return to work on Monday, but I'm taking a "wait-and-see" approach. Research tells me that shingles can take up to a month to finally clear up, and Monday is the soonest that I might no longer be contagious.
Whatever the case, I still had a very good birthday. I received the only gift I wanted, a brand-new iPod Touch. I'm writing this post on it. It's been a little weird for me to get it, though. I used my last iPod so much, it was a pretty big loss when it was misplaced at work, but I eventually got used to not having it. It was all too easy for me to put on my headphones and just tune the world out. That wasn't the right thing to do, as I think it led to ignore things I should've been working on my life and my work with God. So, now that owning one has come back into my life, I have to recognize that sometimes, I have to put away distractions and focus on what The Lord would have me do.
Speaking of what The Lord would have me do, things have taken an unexpected turn on the course of my future career ambitions. God has brought back into my life the idea of trying to get hired as a pharmacy technician. I'd let go of the idea a few years ago, figuring that if that was what I was supposed to be doing, it would've happened already. The whole thing came back when I got a letter from the California Board of Pharmacy telling me that it was time to renew my license. I briefly considered just letting it go, having only ever renewed my license because I thought it looked good on my résumé.
However, I went to dinner in mid-September to celebrate a friend's birthday, and got to talking with another friend of hers, an emergency doctor. When I told about how I went to tech school and got my license but couldn't get hired anywhere, he encouraged me to give it another try. I renewed my license, and now I need to see anout reestablishing my board certification, as well as renewing my CPR certification. I don't know where God will lead me from here, but He has certainly put it on my heart to act in this direction, so I would hop and pray for wisdom and that trust in Him with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5).
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Herbie and Chewy and a lost (and found) wallet
I want to apologize for posting this so late in the week. Last weekend was so busy, I didn't have much time to post anything. The Labor Day weekend had two big things happen that were worth talking about.
First, we suffered a loss in our family. Last Friday, September 4th, we had to put our dog Herbie to sleep. Herbie hadn't been doing well recently; his hips were bad, he had lost his hearing a couple of years prior, and his vision was failing. The last few days before he was put to sleep, Herbie had taken a rapid turn and declined quickly. He had stopped eating, was only drinking water, and was becoming increasingly listless. Within the day before Herbie was put to sleep, he was doing very poorly. My sister had thought he would just pass away on his own.
I wasn't able to go with the others when they took Herbie to the vet on Friday the 4th. The rest of the family (minus Dad and I) took him in the morning; Dad and I had to work. Judging by what my mom and sister said, Herbie went very quickly and easily. The vet examined him and concluded with my other sister that Herbie suffered from kidney failure. It also seems that he was likely older than we originally thought; when we adopted him at Thanksgiving 2009, the shelter told us that he was about four years old. Herbie might've been at least two or three years older than that. Along with all his other health problems, last year Herbie suffered an infection on his back that made all the fur on his back fall out. When it all grew back in, the fur was darker and coarser than before, the fur of an older dog for his breed.
It was sad to have to let Herbie go, but it's have at least one positive effect. I've come to realize that I'm thinking differently about our dog Chewy. I always used to think that Chewy was just trouble in a little, long-haired body. Wily, poorly-behaved, selfish, totally dominant over our other dogs, but able to get by on his looks; that's Chewy in a nutshell. He has the selfish sensibility of a born lap dog. However, after Herbie died, I found myself thinking of Chewy more kindly and affectionately. Maybe it's just the loss of Herbie, but I'm finding myself being kinder to him.
For a very long time, I could only ever think of Chewy as "the worst little dog ever", but now, I have a little more affection for him.
...
I also misplaced my wallet for a little longer than a day along the weekend as well. I was so scared about what was going to happen. I (thankfully) didn't have my debit card on there, but I did have my Social Security card and a Home Depot credit card in there. I was anticipating having to go to the Social Security office and the DMV. Thankfully, on Monday night, I found my wallet had fallen into a box in my parents' bedroom. By that point, I had already given up any idea of ever getting my wallet back. We had just prayed about getting it back, and when I suddenly found it, my dad could do nothing but laugh.
I think God was teaching me to be patient and to trust Him. These are two areas in which I've admittedly struggled in my walk as a believer. Please pray that I would continue to trust the Lord with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5) and wait on Him and His time.
Lord, help me to walk humbly with You, and trust in Your love, power, and mercy.
First, we suffered a loss in our family. Last Friday, September 4th, we had to put our dog Herbie to sleep. Herbie hadn't been doing well recently; his hips were bad, he had lost his hearing a couple of years prior, and his vision was failing. The last few days before he was put to sleep, Herbie had taken a rapid turn and declined quickly. He had stopped eating, was only drinking water, and was becoming increasingly listless. Within the day before Herbie was put to sleep, he was doing very poorly. My sister had thought he would just pass away on his own.
I wasn't able to go with the others when they took Herbie to the vet on Friday the 4th. The rest of the family (minus Dad and I) took him in the morning; Dad and I had to work. Judging by what my mom and sister said, Herbie went very quickly and easily. The vet examined him and concluded with my other sister that Herbie suffered from kidney failure. It also seems that he was likely older than we originally thought; when we adopted him at Thanksgiving 2009, the shelter told us that he was about four years old. Herbie might've been at least two or three years older than that. Along with all his other health problems, last year Herbie suffered an infection on his back that made all the fur on his back fall out. When it all grew back in, the fur was darker and coarser than before, the fur of an older dog for his breed.
It was sad to have to let Herbie go, but it's have at least one positive effect. I've come to realize that I'm thinking differently about our dog Chewy. I always used to think that Chewy was just trouble in a little, long-haired body. Wily, poorly-behaved, selfish, totally dominant over our other dogs, but able to get by on his looks; that's Chewy in a nutshell. He has the selfish sensibility of a born lap dog. However, after Herbie died, I found myself thinking of Chewy more kindly and affectionately. Maybe it's just the loss of Herbie, but I'm finding myself being kinder to him.
For a very long time, I could only ever think of Chewy as "the worst little dog ever", but now, I have a little more affection for him.
...
I also misplaced my wallet for a little longer than a day along the weekend as well. I was so scared about what was going to happen. I (thankfully) didn't have my debit card on there, but I did have my Social Security card and a Home Depot credit card in there. I was anticipating having to go to the Social Security office and the DMV. Thankfully, on Monday night, I found my wallet had fallen into a box in my parents' bedroom. By that point, I had already given up any idea of ever getting my wallet back. We had just prayed about getting it back, and when I suddenly found it, my dad could do nothing but laugh.
I think God was teaching me to be patient and to trust Him. These are two areas in which I've admittedly struggled in my walk as a believer. Please pray that I would continue to trust the Lord with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5) and wait on Him and His time.
Lord, help me to walk humbly with You, and trust in Your love, power, and mercy.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Do I want to keep writing?
I know this is getting posted really late, since I normally post on Sundays.
With the difficulty in staying motivated, I'm wondering if I should adjust my writing schedule again. I'm thinking if maybe I should just write when I feel like that. Of course, then I wouldn't be writing very often.
Truthfully, I don't really know what I want to do with this. I know a (very) few people read this, but I don't know if anyone gets anything out of what I write. Maybe it's just me, and I have the forum to just get off my chest.
I want to keep writing about things that are meaningful to me, but at the same time, I feel like so much of my writing has become rote. I haven't been too many things I've wanted to do, like write reviews of movies I've seen or things that interest me. I like writing about my walk with the Lord, and I hope I say things that might be of interest and an encouragement to others. However, that's not all I ever wanted to write about. There are times where I feel like that's what I should be doing the most, even though there are times when I feel like I'm reaching for stuff. I really do want to write things that honor the Lord, but I sometimes feel like I'm writing things that are just filling space. I thought might be a big reason why I've never been terribly happy with a lot of what I write.
Although I've always enjoyed music and some art, writing has always been my major creative outlet. I don't play any instruments, and I've ever had much in the way of artistic skill. Late last year, I briefly thought about taking up sketch work (something I haven't done since an art class I took as a high school senior) and even procured a sketchbook. However, in the eight months since then, I've never picked up my sketchbook and done any drawing. Once in a while, I'll see my sketchbook and think about doing any sketching but I don't get around to it.
We'll see what happens. I don't want to give up writing, even if I sometimes find it difficult to be motivated. I still want to give sketching another try.
With the difficulty in staying motivated, I'm wondering if I should adjust my writing schedule again. I'm thinking if maybe I should just write when I feel like that. Of course, then I wouldn't be writing very often.
Truthfully, I don't really know what I want to do with this. I know a (very) few people read this, but I don't know if anyone gets anything out of what I write. Maybe it's just me, and I have the forum to just get off my chest.
I want to keep writing about things that are meaningful to me, but at the same time, I feel like so much of my writing has become rote. I haven't been too many things I've wanted to do, like write reviews of movies I've seen or things that interest me. I like writing about my walk with the Lord, and I hope I say things that might be of interest and an encouragement to others. However, that's not all I ever wanted to write about. There are times where I feel like that's what I should be doing the most, even though there are times when I feel like I'm reaching for stuff. I really do want to write things that honor the Lord, but I sometimes feel like I'm writing things that are just filling space. I thought might be a big reason why I've never been terribly happy with a lot of what I write.
Although I've always enjoyed music and some art, writing has always been my major creative outlet. I don't play any instruments, and I've ever had much in the way of artistic skill. Late last year, I briefly thought about taking up sketch work (something I haven't done since an art class I took as a high school senior) and even procured a sketchbook. However, in the eight months since then, I've never picked up my sketchbook and done any drawing. Once in a while, I'll see my sketchbook and think about doing any sketching but I don't get around to it.
We'll see what happens. I don't want to give up writing, even if I sometimes find it difficult to be motivated. I still want to give sketching another try.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Turning from error to truth
Firstly, I want to apologize for no blog post last week. I wasn't feeling good last Sunday, and I never got around to actually writing one when I had time during the week. Lately, I've felt like my heart hasn't been in my writing. I could've made the time to do it this week, but I just didn't make the effort.
...
One night this past week, I came home and found myself watching videos on YouTube. Somehow, I found myself watching videos of sessions from the Strange Fire conference. The conference was convened to address the issues arising from the growing influence of the Charismatic movement within evangelical Christianity. One of the issues addressed in the sessions was the dangers of emotionalism, of allowing our sensations and experiences (especially in the sense that one has "experienced the Holy Spirit" in the sensual manner) to be a means by which we determine our connection to and understanding of God rather than by the standard of the Scriptures.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a Charismatic. However, the messages punched me right in the heart. By the grace of God, I realized that at some point, I had given myself over to trusting my own feelings and attitudes, which I know to be misleading, rather than trusting in the Lord, who never varies. I had become so withdrawn from trusting God, I was even doubting the reliability of the Bible, at least some of which I am certain was Satanic effort. Matthew 24:24 suggests it's possible for even the elect of God to be deceived, and I do believe I was being deceived. I was doubting so much of God had done, to the point that I was beginning to wonder if I were even saved. I was doubting things about my walk with God that I knew to be true.
Still, I had to admit that whatever happened, I was culpable for my own unbelief. I had to stop, bow my head, and pray, "Lord, I have strayed into error." I had to stop and beg for forgiveness, that I had doubted Him and trusted myself, something that I just shouldn't do at all. Thankfully, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness 1 John 4:9).
...
One night this past week, I came home and found myself watching videos on YouTube. Somehow, I found myself watching videos of sessions from the Strange Fire conference. The conference was convened to address the issues arising from the growing influence of the Charismatic movement within evangelical Christianity. One of the issues addressed in the sessions was the dangers of emotionalism, of allowing our sensations and experiences (especially in the sense that one has "experienced the Holy Spirit" in the sensual manner) to be a means by which we determine our connection to and understanding of God rather than by the standard of the Scriptures.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a Charismatic. However, the messages punched me right in the heart. By the grace of God, I realized that at some point, I had given myself over to trusting my own feelings and attitudes, which I know to be misleading, rather than trusting in the Lord, who never varies. I had become so withdrawn from trusting God, I was even doubting the reliability of the Bible, at least some of which I am certain was Satanic effort. Matthew 24:24 suggests it's possible for even the elect of God to be deceived, and I do believe I was being deceived. I was doubting so much of God had done, to the point that I was beginning to wonder if I were even saved. I was doubting things about my walk with God that I knew to be true.
Still, I had to admit that whatever happened, I was culpable for my own unbelief. I had to stop, bow my head, and pray, "Lord, I have strayed into error." I had to stop and beg for forgiveness, that I had doubted Him and trusted myself, something that I just shouldn't do at all. Thankfully, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness 1 John 4:9).
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Answers to prayer and an adjustment
These past few days have been a period of adjustment for me. This last week, I applied to be allowed to move from second shift to first shift at work so that I could start attending a regular Bible study on Thursday nights. My application was accepted on Wednesday, but I didn't find out about it until the next day. The people working in the digital department on first shift knew that I got approved even before I did.
The toughest part has been having to adjust my sleeping pattern. I usually roll out of bed between 9:00 and 9:30 am to be at work by 1:30 pm. These past few days, I've been waking up one hour earlier than the day previous so that I can be out of bed Monday morning at 4:30. It's been both easier than I thought and difficult to do. There's the temptation to go back to sleep, but also the realization that this is what I wanted, so I need to do what I have to do, in order to accomplish this.
Whatever the case, I think it's going to be a little easier going at work as a trade-off. On first shift, there are more people to do more of the work. If we can get more sent out on first, it'll hopefully make things a little easier for those still on second shift. Now, they just need to find someone to take my place on second...
It's definitely been an answer to prayer, though. Getting to visit the Doulos West LA Bible study made me realize how much I missed belonging to one. I need that fellowship and I need to be giving of my time to my brothers and sisters in Christ whenever I can.
...
I've written in the past that I've struggled in the past with trusting in God like I know I should be. At church this morning, we heard a message from Exodus 1. Pharaoh commands the enslavement of Israel and killing of male Jewish babies because he fears the growing population of Israel turning against Egypt, even though the Jews have lived peacefully, if separately, from the Egyptians since their arrival in Genesis. Despite Pharaoh's decrees, God allows the Jews to prosper and thrive. The Lord Himself promised to Abraham back in Genesis that his people would be slaves in a foreign land (Genesis 15). God's promises in Genesis were not (and never will be) thwarted by anyone or anything.
A point the pastor made in the sermon was that it's important to trust God as He is shown in the Scriptures, not our false impressions of Him. I've been guilty of this, and I think God has been showing me this of late. I pray that I would continue to search the Scriptures and gain a right understanding of Him and His love.
The toughest part has been having to adjust my sleeping pattern. I usually roll out of bed between 9:00 and 9:30 am to be at work by 1:30 pm. These past few days, I've been waking up one hour earlier than the day previous so that I can be out of bed Monday morning at 4:30. It's been both easier than I thought and difficult to do. There's the temptation to go back to sleep, but also the realization that this is what I wanted, so I need to do what I have to do, in order to accomplish this.
Whatever the case, I think it's going to be a little easier going at work as a trade-off. On first shift, there are more people to do more of the work. If we can get more sent out on first, it'll hopefully make things a little easier for those still on second shift. Now, they just need to find someone to take my place on second...
It's definitely been an answer to prayer, though. Getting to visit the Doulos West LA Bible study made me realize how much I missed belonging to one. I need that fellowship and I need to be giving of my time to my brothers and sisters in Christ whenever I can.
...
I've written in the past that I've struggled in the past with trusting in God like I know I should be. At church this morning, we heard a message from Exodus 1. Pharaoh commands the enslavement of Israel and killing of male Jewish babies because he fears the growing population of Israel turning against Egypt, even though the Jews have lived peacefully, if separately, from the Egyptians since their arrival in Genesis. Despite Pharaoh's decrees, God allows the Jews to prosper and thrive. The Lord Himself promised to Abraham back in Genesis that his people would be slaves in a foreign land (Genesis 15). God's promises in Genesis were not (and never will be) thwarted by anyone or anything.
A point the pastor made in the sermon was that it's important to trust God as He is shown in the Scriptures, not our false impressions of Him. I've been guilty of this, and I think God has been showing me this of late. I pray that I would continue to search the Scriptures and gain a right understanding of Him and His love.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
I keep forgetting
As long as I've been doing this, how is it that I almost forgot to write tonight's post? I'm sitting here trying to think of something to write, but I'm drawing a blank.
...
Okay, now I know what I can write about, tonight. Last week, I wrote that I wanted to change my schedule at work so that I could attend a Bible study. This past week, I found out from my manager that they couldn't approve my specific request to work earlier on Thursdays. I was very disappointed, but I knew when I asked that it was a long shot. My manager told me to consider moving permanently to either first shift or third shift.
I didn't want to move to third shift at all. Firstly, it still wouldn't allow me to allow me to attend a Bible study as I would have to get to work by 9:00 pm. Doing that would preclude attending a Bible study at all, so moving to third shift would be pointless. Secondly, I have no desire at all to work overnight. I would make more money, but I don't like my job enough to want to do that.
Admittedly, I wasn't sure I wanted to move to first shift. Doing that means starting work at 5:30 am. I was resistant to the idea at first, but the more I thought (and prayed) about it, the more I warmed to the idea. After all, at my last job, I had to be up at about 5:00 am to get the bus to Glendale by 7:00. When I was working there full-time, we started at 5:00. I can do it again, but I wasn't sure I wanted to, at first.
We've been praying as a family about this, as visiting the Doulos West L.A. Bible study showed how much I missed being a part of one, and i think I needed to see what I'd be willing to do to be a part of one again. May the Lord answer my continued prayer that this would be so, and that i would graciously (and thankfully) accept whatever His desire may be.
...
Okay, now I know what I can write about, tonight. Last week, I wrote that I wanted to change my schedule at work so that I could attend a Bible study. This past week, I found out from my manager that they couldn't approve my specific request to work earlier on Thursdays. I was very disappointed, but I knew when I asked that it was a long shot. My manager told me to consider moving permanently to either first shift or third shift.
I didn't want to move to third shift at all. Firstly, it still wouldn't allow me to allow me to attend a Bible study as I would have to get to work by 9:00 pm. Doing that would preclude attending a Bible study at all, so moving to third shift would be pointless. Secondly, I have no desire at all to work overnight. I would make more money, but I don't like my job enough to want to do that.
Admittedly, I wasn't sure I wanted to move to first shift. Doing that means starting work at 5:30 am. I was resistant to the idea at first, but the more I thought (and prayed) about it, the more I warmed to the idea. After all, at my last job, I had to be up at about 5:00 am to get the bus to Glendale by 7:00. When I was working there full-time, we started at 5:00. I can do it again, but I wasn't sure I wanted to, at first.
We've been praying as a family about this, as visiting the Doulos West L.A. Bible study showed how much I missed being a part of one, and i think I needed to see what I'd be willing to do to be a part of one again. May the Lord answer my continued prayer that this would be so, and that i would graciously (and thankfully) accept whatever His desire may be.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Praying together
A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a weekly Bible study, something I haven't been able to do for more than a year. I had already come to realize that it was something I needed to do if I could, but it wasn't until afterward that I realized how much I missed being part of one.
I realized that I needed to do something about it.
This last week, I went to work to see if I could adjust my schedule so that I could attend a study on Thursday nights. Normally, I work for 1:30-10;00 pm Monday to Friday. If my request is accepted, I'll be working 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Thursday nights. I'm waiting for a response for my manager; hopefully, I'll get a response this week. Admittedly, when I submitted my request for the schedule change, I wasn't sure how to ask for it. As far as they know, it's just that I need to have my Thursday evenings open.
Recently, Mom, Dad, and I restarted our nightly prayer time together, and we've been keeping this in our prayers. James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (NIV). God has been hearing our prayers and answered some; others, we are still waiting for the answer, whatever God decides it may be.
It used to be that Mom, Dad, and I would pray together nightly. When I started working at UPrinting, I began keeping late hours, such that Mom and Dad are usually asleep by the time I get home. Now that we're back to doing it on a regular basis, they're either awake when I get home (usually Dad) or they'll have me wake them up so we can pray together. It seems like it's been good for all of us.
I realized that I needed to do something about it.
This last week, I went to work to see if I could adjust my schedule so that I could attend a study on Thursday nights. Normally, I work for 1:30-10;00 pm Monday to Friday. If my request is accepted, I'll be working 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Thursday nights. I'm waiting for a response for my manager; hopefully, I'll get a response this week. Admittedly, when I submitted my request for the schedule change, I wasn't sure how to ask for it. As far as they know, it's just that I need to have my Thursday evenings open.
Recently, Mom, Dad, and I restarted our nightly prayer time together, and we've been keeping this in our prayers. James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (NIV). God has been hearing our prayers and answered some; others, we are still waiting for the answer, whatever God decides it may be.
It used to be that Mom, Dad, and I would pray together nightly. When I started working at UPrinting, I began keeping late hours, such that Mom and Dad are usually asleep by the time I get home. Now that we're back to doing it on a regular basis, they're either awake when I get home (usually Dad) or they'll have me wake them up so we can pray together. It seems like it's been good for all of us.
Monday, July 13, 2015
No post this week
I didn't have time to write a post yesterday, and I don't much time today to write anything beyond this.
Yesterday proved to be extremely busy, leaving little time to write anything. When I finally did have time, I didn't have the energy to do it. Also, I didn't really have any subject I wanted to write about. Wanting to avoid the mistakes I made on my previous blog, I don't want to write anything uninteresting.
At least, any more uninteresting than this. Come back next Sunday. Hopefully, I'll have something interesting to write about, and that you'll be interested in reading.
Yesterday proved to be extremely busy, leaving little time to write anything. When I finally did have time, I didn't have the energy to do it. Also, I didn't really have any subject I wanted to write about. Wanting to avoid the mistakes I made on my previous blog, I don't want to write anything uninteresting.
At least, any more uninteresting than this. Come back next Sunday. Hopefully, I'll have something interesting to write about, and that you'll be interested in reading.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Back at it (in more ways than one)
Lots of things going on, so let's get right into it.
After being sick the week before last, I went back to work last Monday. The very next day, I lost my iPod Touch at work. I was hoping to get it back, but with some of the things with which I've been struggling lately, I find myself thinking that my losing it was a good thing. When I wasn't at work or church, my earplugs were in pretty much from when I got up until I went to bed. It became a means to tune out the world, but it wasn't leading to cultivate a better relationship with God. It could even be argued that it was causing just the opposite.
Also, it was contributing to some temptations that are best served not having the opportunity to be so easily satisfied. Honestly, it seems like I'm better off, if a little inconvenienced, by not having one.
...
Today, I heard two very good messages at church this morning. During the first service this morning, we heard a message from Psalm 37, namely the necessity and value of having an intimate relationship with God.
I haven't talked about it much, but for a long while recently, I've been struggling with my walk with God. Lately, it seems like my thoughts have been bitter and angry, and I felt so much frustration with myself and with God about why I was so miserable. I was struggling to trust God when I found myself wondering if I even had any genuine faith in Him. I found myself wondering why I once had such love and zeal for God and then was struggling with such bitterness and frustration.
However, the lesson made me realize what had been happening. Somewhere along the way, I had stopped cultivating so close a relationship with God as I had before. I went off on my own way, trying to please God on my own, but not being motivated by a love for God but a love for self. I have followed my own desires yet was still yearning for God, and just feeling so lost.
Having an intimate relationship with God allows the believer to trust God to be a source of strength and safety, and that intimate closeness we can have with Him allows us to have confidence in Him and the forgiveness He gives to all who believe. Conversely, not cultivating a close relationship with God only breeds loneliness and frustration. Boy, did that ring familiar.
When the message was over, I just had to stop and beg forgiveness from God, confessing that I had pursued selfish desires over seeking a close relationship with Him.
The second message was in the main service, where we heard a very good message from Philippians 3. In the passage, the apostle Paul tells us that he has forsaken every sort of earthly merit, for the righteousness of Christ, which is granted by grace through faith. The righteousness of God unites us to Him in death to sin and life to God. Faith is the means by which we can (by God's power and will) confidently reach out to Him and trust in His power and grace to forgive sins.
Not only this, but we are also united to Him in His sufferings. Those who have the righteousness of God will inevitably suffer for it at the hands of the unrighteous. Jesus suffered, and those of us who believe will suffer as well.
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I had something else I wanted to write about, but it's somehow managed to completely slip my mind. Maybe next time, if I can remember it.
After being sick the week before last, I went back to work last Monday. The very next day, I lost my iPod Touch at work. I was hoping to get it back, but with some of the things with which I've been struggling lately, I find myself thinking that my losing it was a good thing. When I wasn't at work or church, my earplugs were in pretty much from when I got up until I went to bed. It became a means to tune out the world, but it wasn't leading to cultivate a better relationship with God. It could even be argued that it was causing just the opposite.
Also, it was contributing to some temptations that are best served not having the opportunity to be so easily satisfied. Honestly, it seems like I'm better off, if a little inconvenienced, by not having one.
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Today, I heard two very good messages at church this morning. During the first service this morning, we heard a message from Psalm 37, namely the necessity and value of having an intimate relationship with God.
I haven't talked about it much, but for a long while recently, I've been struggling with my walk with God. Lately, it seems like my thoughts have been bitter and angry, and I felt so much frustration with myself and with God about why I was so miserable. I was struggling to trust God when I found myself wondering if I even had any genuine faith in Him. I found myself wondering why I once had such love and zeal for God and then was struggling with such bitterness and frustration.
However, the lesson made me realize what had been happening. Somewhere along the way, I had stopped cultivating so close a relationship with God as I had before. I went off on my own way, trying to please God on my own, but not being motivated by a love for God but a love for self. I have followed my own desires yet was still yearning for God, and just feeling so lost.
Having an intimate relationship with God allows the believer to trust God to be a source of strength and safety, and that intimate closeness we can have with Him allows us to have confidence in Him and the forgiveness He gives to all who believe. Conversely, not cultivating a close relationship with God only breeds loneliness and frustration. Boy, did that ring familiar.
When the message was over, I just had to stop and beg forgiveness from God, confessing that I had pursued selfish desires over seeking a close relationship with Him.
The second message was in the main service, where we heard a very good message from Philippians 3. In the passage, the apostle Paul tells us that he has forsaken every sort of earthly merit, for the righteousness of Christ, which is granted by grace through faith. The righteousness of God unites us to Him in death to sin and life to God. Faith is the means by which we can (by God's power and will) confidently reach out to Him and trust in His power and grace to forgive sins.
Not only this, but we are also united to Him in His sufferings. Those who have the righteousness of God will inevitably suffer for it at the hands of the unrighteous. Jesus suffered, and those of us who believe will suffer as well.
...
I had something else I wanted to write about, but it's somehow managed to completely slip my mind. Maybe next time, if I can remember it.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
No post tonight
I've spent most of the last week getting over the flu. Yes, today marks the start of the second week of summer, and I spent it sick in bed.
So, no post this week. Come back next Sunday.
So, no post this week. Come back next Sunday.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Happy Father's Day
I had some things I wanted to write about this week, but I'm setting them aside. They don't seem so important now and must not have been in the first place, as I cannot remember them very clearly.
I just want to take the time to say Happy Father's Day. I don't know if anyone of you reading this is a father, but you have one, and I hope that you can and do appreciate what a good father does.
I've never really talked much about my parents on this blog before, but today is the day to make the exception. Before I got saved, I wasn't close to my dad even though we lived in the same house. I was basically scared of my dad, particularly because I was unemployed and didn't have any prospects at the time. I would go for days at a time where I wouldn't leave the house, and I was essentially a bundle of nerves. He was basically supporting me and I had nothing to show for it.
That said, I can look back and realize how foolish I was being. My dad loved and cared for me, and provided for me when by all rights, he could've tossed me out. The Lord was providing for me even then, when I couldn't even begin to see what He was doing for me.
Dad and I really began to get close when I got saved. I could respond to him in love rather than fear. Both he and Mom had been praying for me, because they knew things hadn't been right with me. I could begin to love and appreciate my Dad in a way I couldn't before.
Earlier this year, Dad had a health scare that forced him to make some serious changes to his diet and lifestyle. It made me stop and think about all the things of which I was afraid he would miss out. I want my parents to meet the woman I bring home to meet them, to see me become a husband, and maybe even become a father.
I love my dad, and I thank God that he knows that I do. I thank God for him.
I just want to take the time to say Happy Father's Day. I don't know if anyone of you reading this is a father, but you have one, and I hope that you can and do appreciate what a good father does.
I've never really talked much about my parents on this blog before, but today is the day to make the exception. Before I got saved, I wasn't close to my dad even though we lived in the same house. I was basically scared of my dad, particularly because I was unemployed and didn't have any prospects at the time. I would go for days at a time where I wouldn't leave the house, and I was essentially a bundle of nerves. He was basically supporting me and I had nothing to show for it.
That said, I can look back and realize how foolish I was being. My dad loved and cared for me, and provided for me when by all rights, he could've tossed me out. The Lord was providing for me even then, when I couldn't even begin to see what He was doing for me.
Dad and I really began to get close when I got saved. I could respond to him in love rather than fear. Both he and Mom had been praying for me, because they knew things hadn't been right with me. I could begin to love and appreciate my Dad in a way I couldn't before.
Earlier this year, Dad had a health scare that forced him to make some serious changes to his diet and lifestyle. It made me stop and think about all the things of which I was afraid he would miss out. I want my parents to meet the woman I bring home to meet them, to see me become a husband, and maybe even become a father.
I love my dad, and I thank God that he knows that I do. I thank God for him.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Gratitude and God's goodness
I gave some thought to skipping this week's post. I didn't have much in mind to write, and my motivation to keep writing has diminished. I'd be lying if I knew why the few readers o have even hang with it.
Truth be told, there are many times when I don't feel like sitting down to write, but just not wanting to doesn't seem like good enough a reason not to do it. I don't typically feel like going to work, as I don't really enjoy what I do, because the reason to go (making a living, people depending on me, God tasking me to labor faithfully as anyone else) outweigh the reasons not to do it (not liking what I do).
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I'd like to say I always do this, but I don't. No believer ever always does thing to God's glory. We may be forgiven but we're still sinners. I'm not always happen in my circumstances, and I've been known to have a grumbling attitude when it comes to my job. But, the Lord provided for that need, and has sustained me in difficult moments when it sometimes felt like I was on my own. In those moments, I grumble and complain, but afterwards God stirs my heart to gratitude and thanks.
I hope that I glorify God in what I write tonight. Too often I've written things, especially on the old blog, that were obviously nothing more than complaints. They may have been cathartic to write, but I'm sure they weren't very interesting to read. Certainly, they weren't written with the intent of honoring the Lord.
This doesn't mean I can't choose to do things differently in the future, or even the present. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes of "forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13 NASB). A major area in which I struggle is letting go of past mistakes, times in the last where I sinned when I could've avoided them, had I leaned on the Lord to protect and deliver me in those times of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) Certainly, I can allow these moments to trouble me, and I am convinced Satan wants me to be troubled by them, as they can cause me to doubt the forgiveness God has given me through His Son, Jesus.
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By the way, looking back to the first paragraph of this post, here's a tip for when you're not sure what to say: pray to God that He will give you the right words to say. He knows what you want to say, and will show you how. Just trust in Him.
Truth be told, there are many times when I don't feel like sitting down to write, but just not wanting to doesn't seem like good enough a reason not to do it. I don't typically feel like going to work, as I don't really enjoy what I do, because the reason to go (making a living, people depending on me, God tasking me to labor faithfully as anyone else) outweigh the reasons not to do it (not liking what I do).
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I'd like to say I always do this, but I don't. No believer ever always does thing to God's glory. We may be forgiven but we're still sinners. I'm not always happen in my circumstances, and I've been known to have a grumbling attitude when it comes to my job. But, the Lord provided for that need, and has sustained me in difficult moments when it sometimes felt like I was on my own. In those moments, I grumble and complain, but afterwards God stirs my heart to gratitude and thanks.
I hope that I glorify God in what I write tonight. Too often I've written things, especially on the old blog, that were obviously nothing more than complaints. They may have been cathartic to write, but I'm sure they weren't very interesting to read. Certainly, they weren't written with the intent of honoring the Lord.
This doesn't mean I can't choose to do things differently in the future, or even the present. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes of "forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13 NASB). A major area in which I struggle is letting go of past mistakes, times in the last where I sinned when I could've avoided them, had I leaned on the Lord to protect and deliver me in those times of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) Certainly, I can allow these moments to trouble me, and I am convinced Satan wants me to be troubled by them, as they can cause me to doubt the forgiveness God has given me through His Son, Jesus.
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By the way, looking back to the first paragraph of this post, here's a tip for when you're not sure what to say: pray to God that He will give you the right words to say. He knows what you want to say, and will show you how. Just trust in Him.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
A much-needed reminder of God's grace and forgiveness
Today was the first time in about three weeks that I made it into church. Long ago, I realized that I really suffer spiritually when I don't attend church like I should. Going into church today, I heard a message that I really needed to hear.
The past few weeks, I've really been struggling spiritually. My thoughts have been bitter and angry, with so much hostility toward God and others. I've felt like I've been spinning my wheels, not sure what I was doing or where I was going in my life. I felt like so much old sin was raising out of me, as I was a very angry and bitter person before I got saved. I wanted to do right, but I truly believe I was being goaded by Satan to be hateful and angry at God for my own failures as a believer.
This morning in Doulos, we heard a message from Colossians chapter 2:11-16 (NIV):
The past few weeks, I've really been struggling spiritually. My thoughts have been bitter and angry, with so much hostility toward God and others. I've felt like I've been spinning my wheels, not sure what I was doing or where I was going in my life. I felt like so much old sin was raising out of me, as I was a very angry and bitter person before I got saved. I wanted to do right, but I truly believe I was being goaded by Satan to be hateful and angry at God for my own failures as a believer.
This morning in Doulos, we heard a message from Colossians chapter 2:11-16 (NIV):
11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[e]
The point Paul was making to the Colossian church was that the externals of religion do not matter to God, as God Himself cares about the internal transformation He Himself performs in the life of a believer at the point of salvation. When we are saved, God puts away the old sin nature from the redeemed person and brings about the new creation in that person (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The message was both convicting and encouraging. I was convicted by the fact that, as of late, I've been trying to do good on my own. When we actually do that which pleases God, it is actually God's power at work in us. Any work we try to do on our own is useless and ultimately futile (Psalm 94:11).
The encouragement for me came with the reminder that any thing that had to be done to have the blessings of love and forgiveness had already been accomplished by the Lord Himself. I realized that when I was saved, I had nothing that I could ever possibly offer to God to warrant His forgiveness, but that I had never considered that He already knew all that, and elected to save me. it was both very humbling and encouraging, and it made my heart glad. I came home, prayed for forgiveness for not trusting God as I should, and now I feel unburdened.
I'm glad. i have joy, real joy that I haven't felt in a long time. If I had to leave you readers with everything, it's that if you're struggling with having joy in your walk, ask God to show what's keeping you from having joy, whatever it may be, confess and turn from it, and thank God for His forgiveness.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Discipline
Just got back from having lunch with some friends, something I think I really needed. Opportunities for fellowship are hard to come by during the week. It's a very good reminder that I need to not forsake the brethren (Hebrews 10:25), as we are called to care for and pray for one another.
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I was on Facebook a little while ago and I saw that a friend had posted Proverbs 3:11-12: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."
That verse stuck in me like a knife. It also connects directly to something I've been dealing with in my walk with the Lord this past week.
This week, I had a realization, a moment of clarity that I've been praying for. For a long while, I've been struggling with the idea of finding joy in trials. This is an issue with which I've greatly struggled inasmuch as I haven't really understood how to have joy in the midst of such difficulties. I read an article on Facebook that talked about how we as believers can be confident in the love of God in the midst of trials. The point that stuck out most to me was that Jesus Himself suffered, so also must His own. if we are suffering for His sake, then we are His.
Also, going back to my original point, if (or rather, since) God loves me, He will correct me as He conforms me to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Sometimes, it will be very uncomfortable, as that involves dealing with sin. Lately, it seems like a lot of old bitterness is raising out of me, as well as old anger at Gold ans at others. It has often been very wearying, emotionally and physically.
I needed the scriptural reminder that God loves me and is doing His good work in me, and though it may be uncomfortable at times, it is for my good and for His glory.
Lord, forgive me for despising Your discipline.
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I was on Facebook a little while ago and I saw that a friend had posted Proverbs 3:11-12: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."
That verse stuck in me like a knife. It also connects directly to something I've been dealing with in my walk with the Lord this past week.
This week, I had a realization, a moment of clarity that I've been praying for. For a long while, I've been struggling with the idea of finding joy in trials. This is an issue with which I've greatly struggled inasmuch as I haven't really understood how to have joy in the midst of such difficulties. I read an article on Facebook that talked about how we as believers can be confident in the love of God in the midst of trials. The point that stuck out most to me was that Jesus Himself suffered, so also must His own. if we are suffering for His sake, then we are His.
Also, going back to my original point, if (or rather, since) God loves me, He will correct me as He conforms me to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Sometimes, it will be very uncomfortable, as that involves dealing with sin. Lately, it seems like a lot of old bitterness is raising out of me, as well as old anger at Gold ans at others. It has often been very wearying, emotionally and physically.
I needed the scriptural reminder that God loves me and is doing His good work in me, and though it may be uncomfortable at times, it is for my good and for His glory.
Lord, forgive me for despising Your discipline.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
A decision to be made and a need for wisdom
I nearly forgot about this week's post. These past few weeks, I've surprised myself in remembering that it's Sunday, which means it's time for an update.
I find that as time goes on, I'm having to really force myself to sit down and write these posts. It just seems like it's becoming more and more of a chore to write these things. Maybe it's just the updating only once a week; maybe it's the simple fact that traffic has never really taken off in any meaningful way. Maybe it's just that I'm still not doing what I really wanted to do with this blog. I find that I've been reverting to the bad habit I developed with my previous blog, simply regurgitating what's been going on in my life.
Here's what I want to do: I promise that for next week's post that I will have something prepared to write about. This is something that should be meaningful if I'm going to invest the time and effort, and I realize that I'm not making the most of the opportunity. Most importantly, my mind keeps coming back to the thought that whatever I do, I should be seeking to glorify the Lord in what I do. Shouldn't we all?
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I sometimes get asked questions regarding some biblical question (what does this mean? What book should I read that deals with this issue?) and I must admit that sometimes I try my best to give an answer, but I don't always know (in fact, I often don't know) what the answer is. The other day, a friend asked for a book in the Bible that would help remind her not to take the Lord for granted. Stumped for an answer, I took it to God in prayer. In so doing, it was made clear to me that I should direct her to the book I've been reading through lately, Genesis. From beginning to end, Genesis is filled with examples of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, from creation to Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob and his sons, to Joseph in Egypt.
I find that as time goes on, I'm having to really force myself to sit down and write these posts. It just seems like it's becoming more and more of a chore to write these things. Maybe it's just the updating only once a week; maybe it's the simple fact that traffic has never really taken off in any meaningful way. Maybe it's just that I'm still not doing what I really wanted to do with this blog. I find that I've been reverting to the bad habit I developed with my previous blog, simply regurgitating what's been going on in my life.
Here's what I want to do: I promise that for next week's post that I will have something prepared to write about. This is something that should be meaningful if I'm going to invest the time and effort, and I realize that I'm not making the most of the opportunity. Most importantly, my mind keeps coming back to the thought that whatever I do, I should be seeking to glorify the Lord in what I do. Shouldn't we all?
...
I sometimes get asked questions regarding some biblical question (what does this mean? What book should I read that deals with this issue?) and I must admit that sometimes I try my best to give an answer, but I don't always know (in fact, I often don't know) what the answer is. The other day, a friend asked for a book in the Bible that would help remind her not to take the Lord for granted. Stumped for an answer, I took it to God in prayer. In so doing, it was made clear to me that I should direct her to the book I've been reading through lately, Genesis. From beginning to end, Genesis is filled with examples of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, from creation to Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob and his sons, to Joseph in Egypt.
If there's anything I'd leave here to wrap this all up, there's Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God", and James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (both verses New International Version). If you're not sure for the answers, ask God for wisdom and understanding, and He will freely and eagerly give it to you. Pray for wisdom and discernment in reading and searching the Scriptures. Also, seek out the wisdom of others As Proverbs 24:14 says, "Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Parties and needing prayer
I didn't have any time to write a post last Sunday, but last week was the Master's Seminary graduation, and I knew a few of the guys who were graduating. We had a celebration afterward, hoping and praying that God would bless their faithfulness in ministry. Fairly soon, these men are moving on throughout the country (and world) to begin their pulpit ministries. May the Lord bless them, and may they be faithful to proclaim the gospel accurately and truthfully.
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Today, I attended a going-away party for David and Amy Ice, who are moving to the Bay Area next weekend. I got to see a bunch of people from our old Bible study that I haven't seen lately. I had a good time, but it wasn't until I'd been home a few hours that I realized that I left my jacket at the party. Oh well.
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I'm having trouble getting started this entry written tonight. My thoughts are elsewhere this evening. I've been confronted with a couple of major sin issues in my life, both of which have got me discouraged. I could use some prayer on dealing with these issues. One of them is pride and how it hinders my trusting God as I should, the other is too personal to discuss here. Pray that God would grant me wisdom, self-control, and patience and diligence in dealing with these sins.
Also pray that I would choose to take pleasure in God, and in seeking after His will. So often, I find myself growing frustrated with my own struggles and getting angry with God over my spiritual growth (or lack, thereof). I know that's wrong, and I've had to confess and turn from it. What's been so discouraging is that I keep having to do it. It keeps coming up. It's those persistent sins that are so discouraging.
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Today, I attended a going-away party for David and Amy Ice, who are moving to the Bay Area next weekend. I got to see a bunch of people from our old Bible study that I haven't seen lately. I had a good time, but it wasn't until I'd been home a few hours that I realized that I left my jacket at the party. Oh well.
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I'm having trouble getting started this entry written tonight. My thoughts are elsewhere this evening. I've been confronted with a couple of major sin issues in my life, both of which have got me discouraged. I could use some prayer on dealing with these issues. One of them is pride and how it hinders my trusting God as I should, the other is too personal to discuss here. Pray that God would grant me wisdom, self-control, and patience and diligence in dealing with these sins.
Also pray that I would choose to take pleasure in God, and in seeking after His will. So often, I find myself growing frustrated with my own struggles and getting angry with God over my spiritual growth (or lack, thereof). I know that's wrong, and I've had to confess and turn from it. What's been so discouraging is that I keep having to do it. It keeps coming up. It's those persistent sins that are so discouraging.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
A potent reminder
Got hurt at work this week. Thumb in a splint, may need to be re-bandaged, etc., etc. I don't really want to talk about that since it's not a big deal. There's other, more important things on my mind right now.
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All I want to say today is that God is good. I have very badly needed to be reminded of this basic spiritual truth. I've been struggling spiritually as of late, and have often felt quite lost.
At church this morning, the message was from Colossians 2, specifically verses 6 and 7 (NIV):
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All I want to say today is that God is good. I have very badly needed to be reminded of this basic spiritual truth. I've been struggling spiritually as of late, and have often felt quite lost.
At church this morning, the message was from Colossians 2, specifically verses 6 and 7 (NIV):
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
One of the things I really took away from this message on working with God was the necessity and value of discipline in our daily lives. Specifically, we need the discipline to remember what Christ accomplished for us on the cross, setting us free from the curse of sin. We need the discipline to cultivate a right understanding of the gospel, along with wisdom from the Lord. Finally, we need the discipline to meditate on what God has accomplished for us and in us that we may be grateful for what He has done.
I must readily confess that my spiritual life has been suffering of late because I haven't really been doing any of these things as i should be. I have to be responsible for cultivating spiritual growth, even as God has been doing His work in me.
Earlier, I had a realization. I think one of the reasons why God has not yet allowed me to move on from the printing company is that He was trying to teach me something. I think He's been trying to teach me patience and trust, but I wasn't having it. Ironically, I think i was trying to be patient and trusting, but I was trying to do it completely by my own effort, so obviously, I was failing miserably. I realize that in particularly trying circumstances, my patience can be severely tested, and that my trusting God in those circumstances can be rather weak. In essence, I think God was growing me, but I was resisting Him. I had to confess and turn from it.
I feel like a load has been lifted from me. A chance to start anew. Wouldn't we all want that, and aren't we as belivers in the Lord Jesus blessed to have that?
Sunday, April 26, 2015
What do I want to do with my life?
Before I get started, I want to say that I don't set out to just write about work every week. I've been doing it a lot lately, but things are happening that I need to talk about, and this blog exists for me to express myself. Part of that means talking about what's been going on in my life, and recently, that has tended to revolve around work.
All that to say, yes, I'm writing about work again this week.
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On Monday afternoon, I received my annual performance review at work. I've never had one before, at either of the other two places I've worked. One place was small and too informal, and the other, I worked there for only about three months.
Overall, my manager, Mike, is very happy with my work and how things are being done. He asked me if I had reconsidered my plans to eventually move on from the company. While I have become generally more patient about wanting to leave, I did have to tell Mike that I hadn't changed changed my mind. For me, working at the printing company is a job, but not what I want to make my career.
Mike asked what I truly wanted to do. I said that I wanted to do something, whatever that might be, where people could bring me a problem and that I would try to find a solution. As my friend Aaron said, I have what can be called "the gift of mercy"; if I see a need, I have to meet that need. I first realized that I really enjoyed doing this when I helped my friends Samantha and Joshua raise money for their short-term missions trip to South Africa (wow, that's going to be three years ago, this summer. Where does the time go?).
I talked with my sister Laura about it a few days later. Laura remarked that what I wanted to do was like The Godfather, wherein people would bring their problems to me and I would give them a solution. Any criminal inferences notwithstanding, it summed up what I wanted to do, in a weird way. She said I needed to figure out how to make that happen. So, I asking for prayer regarding wisdom about how to go about finding how to do what I want to do. Dad said if I was unhappy with where I was working, I needed to find another job or create it. Pray that God would grant me wisdom about how to do this.
Also, pray that I would seek to glorify God in this, and not myself. I'm already seeing that it would be way too easy to get caught up in how it would make me feel good, or how it could make me look like a good guy, when I should be seeking to glorify Him. I would love to find someone with whom I could share this goal, who would love to be able to do something like this.
And while I'm putting in the order, can she be single and godly?
All that to say, yes, I'm writing about work again this week.
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On Monday afternoon, I received my annual performance review at work. I've never had one before, at either of the other two places I've worked. One place was small and too informal, and the other, I worked there for only about three months.
Overall, my manager, Mike, is very happy with my work and how things are being done. He asked me if I had reconsidered my plans to eventually move on from the company. While I have become generally more patient about wanting to leave, I did have to tell Mike that I hadn't changed changed my mind. For me, working at the printing company is a job, but not what I want to make my career.
Mike asked what I truly wanted to do. I said that I wanted to do something, whatever that might be, where people could bring me a problem and that I would try to find a solution. As my friend Aaron said, I have what can be called "the gift of mercy"; if I see a need, I have to meet that need. I first realized that I really enjoyed doing this when I helped my friends Samantha and Joshua raise money for their short-term missions trip to South Africa (wow, that's going to be three years ago, this summer. Where does the time go?).
I talked with my sister Laura about it a few days later. Laura remarked that what I wanted to do was like The Godfather, wherein people would bring their problems to me and I would give them a solution. Any criminal inferences notwithstanding, it summed up what I wanted to do, in a weird way. She said I needed to figure out how to make that happen. So, I asking for prayer regarding wisdom about how to go about finding how to do what I want to do. Dad said if I was unhappy with where I was working, I needed to find another job or create it. Pray that God would grant me wisdom about how to do this.
Also, pray that I would seek to glorify God in this, and not myself. I'm already seeing that it would be way too easy to get caught up in how it would make me feel good, or how it could make me look like a good guy, when I should be seeking to glorify Him. I would love to find someone with whom I could share this goal, who would love to be able to do something like this.
And while I'm putting in the order, can she be single and godly?
Sunday, April 19, 2015
A lot of things on my mind this week
It's been a busy week.
At work, we've been seeing a lot of new faces. Most of the new people have been coming from a temp agency. In terms of quality of their work, they've varied from excellent to poor. For those of us who've worked in the digital department, it's seemed like the poorer ones end up there.
Lately, we've had one guy that, for lack of a better term, we had to babysit. If we didn't watch him, he would tend to disappear, or he would busy himself with just about anything but the work we put in of front of him. Even then, he didn't work very quickly, and didn't seem motivated to work any faster. Also, he had a tendency to ask frequently, "Is it break time yet?"
Anyway, I was telling these problems to the shipping department manager, who told me that I needed to bring these problems to the attention of the digital manager. That was on Tuesday of last week, and meanwhile, our wayward temp failed to show up on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. When I finally got the chance to talk to our manager on Wednesday, I told him things were not working out with our temp and that we didn't need a guy we had to watch like a hawk. He agreed, but it turned out our problem had solved itself: our temp failed to show up and not call in for the third straight day. For that alone, the manager told us we were not having our temp, even if he wanted to come back.
We have since replaced him with a new guy, someone who was directly hired by the company. The new hire seems far more motivated to work hard, to learn how everything works, and to generally do a good job. I'm grateful for this. Even as I wrote that last sentence, I had to stop and give thanks to God for providing in those times of provision. To be perfectly honest, I'm far more motivated to teach them what they need to learn when they're driven and willing not just to learn, but to be taught.
...
On Thursday afternoon, I received a message out of the blue from a guy at church who's getting ready to graduate from seminary very shortly. He was wondering if I would be interested in a potential church planting opportunity some time in the future.
It took some time for me to recall, but I remembered that we had once discussed the idea of church planting and whether I was interested in such a thing. At the time, I wasn't happy with where I was in my walk with the Lord. I had largely withdrawn from fellowship, my attendance at church had become spotty, and I lacked the opportunity to be an active part of a weekly Bible study.
I think, at the time, I thought I needed a change, something that would get me back involved as an active member of the church. In the moment, I think trying a different church had appeal. I wasn't sure if I should stay at the church I attend, because I felt so alienated from it and its' goings-on. Looking back, I had fallen into the same old sinful habit of withdrawing from others, when I should've been giving myself to others. As Proverbs 18:1 says, "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement".
When I got the message on Thursday, I responded, saying that we should discuss it further, and that I wanted to think and pray about it. Having done so, I realize that I don't really want to leave for another church, but at the same time, I'd like to be able to help support a new church that's dedicated to faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Pray that God would grant me wisdom in what I should do, what I should say, and that I would be able to provide support however I can do so. May God's will be done in all this.
At work, we've been seeing a lot of new faces. Most of the new people have been coming from a temp agency. In terms of quality of their work, they've varied from excellent to poor. For those of us who've worked in the digital department, it's seemed like the poorer ones end up there.
Lately, we've had one guy that, for lack of a better term, we had to babysit. If we didn't watch him, he would tend to disappear, or he would busy himself with just about anything but the work we put in of front of him. Even then, he didn't work very quickly, and didn't seem motivated to work any faster. Also, he had a tendency to ask frequently, "Is it break time yet?"
Anyway, I was telling these problems to the shipping department manager, who told me that I needed to bring these problems to the attention of the digital manager. That was on Tuesday of last week, and meanwhile, our wayward temp failed to show up on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. When I finally got the chance to talk to our manager on Wednesday, I told him things were not working out with our temp and that we didn't need a guy we had to watch like a hawk. He agreed, but it turned out our problem had solved itself: our temp failed to show up and not call in for the third straight day. For that alone, the manager told us we were not having our temp, even if he wanted to come back.
We have since replaced him with a new guy, someone who was directly hired by the company. The new hire seems far more motivated to work hard, to learn how everything works, and to generally do a good job. I'm grateful for this. Even as I wrote that last sentence, I had to stop and give thanks to God for providing in those times of provision. To be perfectly honest, I'm far more motivated to teach them what they need to learn when they're driven and willing not just to learn, but to be taught.
...
On Thursday afternoon, I received a message out of the blue from a guy at church who's getting ready to graduate from seminary very shortly. He was wondering if I would be interested in a potential church planting opportunity some time in the future.
It took some time for me to recall, but I remembered that we had once discussed the idea of church planting and whether I was interested in such a thing. At the time, I wasn't happy with where I was in my walk with the Lord. I had largely withdrawn from fellowship, my attendance at church had become spotty, and I lacked the opportunity to be an active part of a weekly Bible study.
I think, at the time, I thought I needed a change, something that would get me back involved as an active member of the church. In the moment, I think trying a different church had appeal. I wasn't sure if I should stay at the church I attend, because I felt so alienated from it and its' goings-on. Looking back, I had fallen into the same old sinful habit of withdrawing from others, when I should've been giving myself to others. As Proverbs 18:1 says, "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement".
When I got the message on Thursday, I responded, saying that we should discuss it further, and that I wanted to think and pray about it. Having done so, I realize that I don't really want to leave for another church, but at the same time, I'd like to be able to help support a new church that's dedicated to faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Pray that God would grant me wisdom in what I should do, what I should say, and that I would be able to provide support however I can do so. May God's will be done in all this.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
A healthy change
Dad had a health scare this past week; he developed an irregular heartbeat and it drastically lowered his blood pressure. When the doctors tried to medically regulate Dad's heart rate, his blood pressure then elevated. Friends of mine were keeping Dad in their prayers, for which I'm grateful. He only had to stay in the hospital overnight, but he's been off the whole week to take it easy. At the same time, he's been battling a chest cold.
It's been a motivation for the family as a whole to start eating better than we have been. For one thing, we're trying to eat together as a family more often. This isn't easy to do, as we all keep different hours. Dad and Joe are early risers, whereas I tend to keep late hours due to work, which means I'm not home at dinnertime five nights a week. It was decided that we would all take turns doing the cooking for dinner, so tonight, I'll be grilling corn and chicken, using a dry rub recipe I found online.
I'm still eating the kale salads for breakfast. However, I've now begun incorporating romaine lettuce into my salads, and I'm also using croutons. I know that doesn't seem like much, but it's important for me to be able to stay with this new diet, and I want it to be as palatable as possible, within reason. Whatever the case, it still beats eating oatmeal.
...
Out cousins have come over for the day. Things will be active but quiet today. It's just nice not to have to be anywhere today.
It's been a motivation for the family as a whole to start eating better than we have been. For one thing, we're trying to eat together as a family more often. This isn't easy to do, as we all keep different hours. Dad and Joe are early risers, whereas I tend to keep late hours due to work, which means I'm not home at dinnertime five nights a week. It was decided that we would all take turns doing the cooking for dinner, so tonight, I'll be grilling corn and chicken, using a dry rub recipe I found online.
I'm still eating the kale salads for breakfast. However, I've now begun incorporating romaine lettuce into my salads, and I'm also using croutons. I know that doesn't seem like much, but it's important for me to be able to stay with this new diet, and I want it to be as palatable as possible, within reason. Whatever the case, it still beats eating oatmeal.
...
Out cousins have come over for the day. Things will be active but quiet today. It's just nice not to have to be anywhere today.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Diet
As I write this, it is after midnight on the Monday morning after Easter. For whatever reason, I couldn't bring myself to sit down and write. I didn't know what to say. I still don't know what to say, as I've just had to pray, "Lord, give me the words to write."
I've been going through a physical trial this week. Recently, I've begun to suffer digestive problems that have forced a change of diet for me. When I went to the doctor, he told me that I needed to start eating more fiber, especially in the form of oatmeal.
For three straight mornings, I ate a bowl of oatmeal with flaxseeds. I cannot eat oatmeal without legitimately having to suppress the urge to vomit. I realized that I could not keep up eating a more healthy breakfast if it made me feel so nasty to eat. So starting Saturday morning, kale salads for breakfast. Tomorrow, I'm going to start adding canned chicken; I need more protein.
I did have too much carne asada today, especially as I've eaten very little red meat lately. I've already had to give up both sausage and pretzels, neither of which sit well with me, figuratively speaking. For a few days, I was heavily craving chicken. Most of the time, I was starving as I wasn't eating much; it was all I could do to figure out what I could eat.
There are some things that for the time being, I don't really want to eat anymore. For one thing, I don't want to eat French fries. At the moment, eating a lot of cooked potato seems really unpleasant. Also, I cannot bring myself to eat white rice. For one thing, I don't need to be eating so much starch. Secondly, it just reminds me of eating oatmeal.
I've wondered if there's something God is trying to teach me something. I know I've needed to make some changes to my diet, and I've also prayed that God would teach me self-control. I guess this whole thing has shown me that there are a number of areas where I need to cultivate self-control.
I've been going through a physical trial this week. Recently, I've begun to suffer digestive problems that have forced a change of diet for me. When I went to the doctor, he told me that I needed to start eating more fiber, especially in the form of oatmeal.
For three straight mornings, I ate a bowl of oatmeal with flaxseeds. I cannot eat oatmeal without legitimately having to suppress the urge to vomit. I realized that I could not keep up eating a more healthy breakfast if it made me feel so nasty to eat. So starting Saturday morning, kale salads for breakfast. Tomorrow, I'm going to start adding canned chicken; I need more protein.
I did have too much carne asada today, especially as I've eaten very little red meat lately. I've already had to give up both sausage and pretzels, neither of which sit well with me, figuratively speaking. For a few days, I was heavily craving chicken. Most of the time, I was starving as I wasn't eating much; it was all I could do to figure out what I could eat.
There are some things that for the time being, I don't really want to eat anymore. For one thing, I don't want to eat French fries. At the moment, eating a lot of cooked potato seems really unpleasant. Also, I cannot bring myself to eat white rice. For one thing, I don't need to be eating so much starch. Secondly, it just reminds me of eating oatmeal.
I've wondered if there's something God is trying to teach me something. I know I've needed to make some changes to my diet, and I've also prayed that God would teach me self-control. I guess this whole thing has shown me that there are a number of areas where I need to cultivate self-control.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
An anniversary and a testimony
The more I think about it, the better I feel about switching to posting only once a week. I could post just about anytime on Sundays, but on Thursdays, I would get home too late and would often end up posting very early Friday morning. The numbers I receive from Blogger indicate that Thursday/Friday posts tend to be less read anyway, so unless something should happen that would make me change my mind, it's just going to be new posts on Sundays from now on.
…
Yesterday, March 28, was an important anniversary for me. Three years ago, I got saved by the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I realized the anniversary was coming up, I had originally planned to post my testimony. I the decided that I wanted to write about how things have been going this past year since the last anniversary. When the time came to start writing, I realized that I needed to post my testimony, as it's been a long time since I've shared it with anyone.
I post it here as it was written for a Fundamentals of the Faith class I took almost three years ago, the summer after I got saved. (Any text in the italic/parenthese are notes added specifically for this post.)
…
Yesterday, March 28, was an important anniversary for me. Three years ago, I got saved by the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I realized the anniversary was coming up, I had originally planned to post my testimony. I the decided that I wanted to write about how things have been going this past year since the last anniversary. When the time came to start writing, I realized that I needed to post my testimony, as it's been a long time since I've shared it with anyone.
I post it here as it was written for a Fundamentals of the Faith class I took almost three years ago, the summer after I got saved. (Any text in the italic/parenthese are notes added specifically for this post.)
1. Before I was saved, I was not doing anything with my life. I was not accomplishing anything, I really had no goals, and I was deeply unhappy. I have been coming to Grace ever since I was born, but I had no spiritual life, and I wasn’t cultivating those relationships I thought I would have. I really did believe that I was saved, and even went so far as to be baptized; however, there was no spiritual fruit. I did everything I could to shut people out of my life, and all I did was try to make myself happy. All I got for that was a lot of wasted years and nothing to show for it.
2. I was laying in bed one night in mid-February; something had been bothering me for days. I was so scared about what was happening that I started shaking uncontrollably for about two minutes. However, I didn’t tell anyone about it; I just sat on it for about a week and a half. One night after that, I just had a total breakdown. I realized that I was so unhappy, that I had nothing to live for, and most importantly, that I wasn’t saved. (Note: I have since remembered that I first realized that if I were actually saved, there would be spiritual fruit, and there was none.) I prayed with my parents for God to come into my life. In retrospect, I realize that I hadn’t prayed for salvation, but that God would take away my loneliness. I started to attend the Doulos fellowship group, I began volunteering on the church campus, and I began attending the Men of the Word study on Wednesday nights with my dad. All throughout that month of March, however, I still was gripped by this crushing agony that wouldn’t go away no matter what. I just kept breaking down over and over again, such that by the end of March, I was wondering if this horrible heartbreak was what it meant to be saved; I was so despondent that I actually wanted to die. Still, I was so scared of what might happen that, reflecting back on it, God was keeping me from taking my own life. Someone had given a workbook by Wayne Mack as a means to begin exploring Scripture. While looking for a particular verse, I stumbled on James 1:8, “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways”. It was in that moment that I realized that all that had happened was because I had not given myself to God. Two days later, I was talking with my dad, telling him that I was struggling with whether my faith was strong enough. He told me that genuine faith doesn’t come from us, but that it is a gift from God to us. In that moment, I prayed to God to save me from my sins, to give me the faith I needed to believe in Him and follow Him. (I actually prayed, "Lord, give me the faith to believe.") When it was over, every bit of sorrow and grief that had gripped me was gone. I knew I was free and that God had taken them from me.
3. Since then, God has caused me to grow in so many ways. The early going had its ups and downs, but God, through Scripture and the support of my new brothers and sisters, has carried me through. I had wanted people to care about me for so long, but what I really needed was to care for others. God has given me a heart that longs for others, and cares for their well-being. I have been blessed with opportunities to meet the needs of others, and others have been a source of encouragement to me. I have been exploring and considering opportunities for ministry and praying that God will lead me to those opportunities. (In this past year, it seems like I've let that pursuit of ministry opportunity fall by the wayside. Pray that I would seek those opportunities again, with a heart of gratitude and mercy.)
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Writing at a snail's pace
There are times hand I have trouble writing this blog. Even though I only write twice a week (which may soon become just once a week), it does often feel like a chore. It also doesn't help that the iPod touch I'm using to write this, isn't keeping up with my typing.
I'm think I'm going to replace this thing soon. It's so bad, I'd be better off writing it out by hand, scanning it, and posting it as a photo.
Whatever the case, it's not making me want to write this blog anymore diligently than I do now.
I'm think I'm going to replace this thing soon. It's so bad, I'd be better off writing it out by hand, scanning it, and posting it as a photo.
Whatever the case, it's not making me want to write this blog anymore diligently than I do now.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
An announcement
just a quick post to announce that I'm thinking about going back to posting just on Sunday nights. It's not very easy for me to get these posts put up on Thursdays in anything resembling a timely manner. Also, doing it only on Sundays will allow me to be better prepared with what I want to write and to write only what I want to.
See you on Sunday.
See you on Sunday.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Moving on in His time
At first, I really felt like not writing tonight's post. I don't really have much of anything to say. Even as I write this, I'm watching a video on YouTube, a Rifftrax "best-of" video for the movie Viva Knievel!, starring Evel Knievel and Gene Kelly.
Next up, another "best-of" video for the 1972 horror "classic" Night of the Lepus, starring Janet Leigh and DeForest Kelley, who played Doctor McCoy on Star Trek. A couple of researchers, a rancher, a sheriff, and the National Guard battle giant rabbits.
...
I had wanted to spend at least part of this weekend on Craigslist looking for another job. When I talked to my manager on Thursday, I admitted that I was looking for something else. Unfortunately, I didn't really get the opportunity to do so. Still, I understand that God will keep me at UPrinting (and eventually, allow me to move on) in His own time.
Lately, I've been reading through the Pauline epistles. In Ephesians 6, Paul writes, "(s)laves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, in fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free." (Ephesians 6:5-8)
As much as I've wanted to move on from UPrinting, and as frustrating as it's been to not have found anything else, I need to trust God that He will do whatever He wills to do, and that I need to trust and serve Him as my Master in heaven. Pray that I would grow in trusting God and having a thankful attitude, turning from ingratitude and distrust.
Next up, another "best-of" video for the 1972 horror "classic" Night of the Lepus, starring Janet Leigh and DeForest Kelley, who played Doctor McCoy on Star Trek. A couple of researchers, a rancher, a sheriff, and the National Guard battle giant rabbits.
...
I had wanted to spend at least part of this weekend on Craigslist looking for another job. When I talked to my manager on Thursday, I admitted that I was looking for something else. Unfortunately, I didn't really get the opportunity to do so. Still, I understand that God will keep me at UPrinting (and eventually, allow me to move on) in His own time.
Lately, I've been reading through the Pauline epistles. In Ephesians 6, Paul writes, "(s)laves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, in fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free." (Ephesians 6:5-8)
As much as I've wanted to move on from UPrinting, and as frustrating as it's been to not have found anything else, I need to trust God that He will do whatever He wills to do, and that I need to trust and serve Him as my Master in heaven. Pray that I would grow in trusting God and having a thankful attitude, turning from ingratitude and distrust.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Back to work (and you didn't know I was gone)
I was out of work the last three days. I strained a muscle in my side and feared I was getting a hernia in my lower pelvis. Both are okay.
Anyway, today I was confronted by something that I think has been the source of a lot of frustration in my walk with the Lord. Being away from work for three days has been enough time for me to forget how hectic it gets around here. I was getting more and more frustrated with all there is to do.
Finally, I realized how much I hated being here and how unhappy I was that God had led me here. I was angry that God would lead me to work in a place I didn't like, doing work I didn't enjoy that was keeping me from things I wanted to do.
All at once, it hit me: I had been ungrateful to God for my job and I had allowed that sin to grow unchecked. Admittedly, when I first realized this, I didn't want to be grateful. I felt justified in feeling bad, at first. Quickly, I began to realize that was the wrong attitude, and I had to confess and turn from that sin.
…
A short while after that, I got pulled into a meeting with our manager, Mike, who's finally returned from leave. There's been some concern because I've been absent a lot lately. I admitted two of my recent absences were not medical-related, and therefore I did not have a note for them. Mike asked me if I was having a problem, as the company was otherwise happy with my work.
Today marks the first time I've told a manager that I was looking to get out of the company. I told Mike that I had realized that I was not interested in promoting within the company, and that if I didn't want to move up, then I needed to move on. He said he appreciated my candor, and that he was trying to make improvements in our department. Mike also said he wanted to make my remaining time contain as little stress as possible. I said I didn't care too much about that, frankly because I don't know that he can do anything about it, even if he wants to. I just want out, and soon.
Having said all that, I do feel unburdened, if both physically and emotionally drained. I'm really feeling the tug to move on. I ask that you please pray for two things; one, that I would be able to find another job soon, and two, that I wouldn't get fired first. That might actually happen, and if that possibility occurs, I would quit first.
Anyway, today I was confronted by something that I think has been the source of a lot of frustration in my walk with the Lord. Being away from work for three days has been enough time for me to forget how hectic it gets around here. I was getting more and more frustrated with all there is to do.
Finally, I realized how much I hated being here and how unhappy I was that God had led me here. I was angry that God would lead me to work in a place I didn't like, doing work I didn't enjoy that was keeping me from things I wanted to do.
All at once, it hit me: I had been ungrateful to God for my job and I had allowed that sin to grow unchecked. Admittedly, when I first realized this, I didn't want to be grateful. I felt justified in feeling bad, at first. Quickly, I began to realize that was the wrong attitude, and I had to confess and turn from that sin.
…
A short while after that, I got pulled into a meeting with our manager, Mike, who's finally returned from leave. There's been some concern because I've been absent a lot lately. I admitted two of my recent absences were not medical-related, and therefore I did not have a note for them. Mike asked me if I was having a problem, as the company was otherwise happy with my work.
Today marks the first time I've told a manager that I was looking to get out of the company. I told Mike that I had realized that I was not interested in promoting within the company, and that if I didn't want to move up, then I needed to move on. He said he appreciated my candor, and that he was trying to make improvements in our department. Mike also said he wanted to make my remaining time contain as little stress as possible. I said I didn't care too much about that, frankly because I don't know that he can do anything about it, even if he wants to. I just want out, and soon.
Having said all that, I do feel unburdened, if both physically and emotionally drained. I'm really feeling the tug to move on. I ask that you please pray for two things; one, that I would be able to find another job soon, and two, that I wouldn't get fired first. That might actually happen, and if that possibility occurs, I would quit first.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Confessing to one another
Right now, I'm watching the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas on TV. Pretty uneventful right now. Earlier, my brother and I were watching reruns of Celebrity Bowling. Sue Ane Langdon isn't much of a bowler, unless sinking gutter balls counts.
…
I say this a lot on this blog, but I could use your prayer. Lately, it seems like I see so much bitterness and nastiness, if not outright hatefulness, raising up out of me. I have felt like I'm being tempted to be hateful and angry at others, and especially at God. Which I really don't want to be.
Most of the people who know me and with whom I've cultivated friendships, didn't really know me before I got saved. I was just a mean, hateful, scared person. I didn't have any love in my heart, except for myself. Even then, I was absolutely miserable. When the Lord saved me, He opened my heart to love Him and others. For the first time, I'd been willing to forge relationships and to tKe the risk of being hurt or heartbroken when difficulties came.
I have asked the Lord in prayer to draw out sins in my life, that I may confess and turn from them. It seems like God is drawing out a lot of old bitterness in my heart, which can be deeply discouraging. If He is indeed doing this right now, then pray that I would not be discouraged, but that I would be faithful to confess this sin and thankful that God has forgiven this sin and is removing it from me.
James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." I guess this is what I've been asking you readers to do for me. I don't know if you have, but if you have done so, then I am thankful to God and to you for your faithfulness.
…
I say this a lot on this blog, but I could use your prayer. Lately, it seems like I see so much bitterness and nastiness, if not outright hatefulness, raising up out of me. I have felt like I'm being tempted to be hateful and angry at others, and especially at God. Which I really don't want to be.
Most of the people who know me and with whom I've cultivated friendships, didn't really know me before I got saved. I was just a mean, hateful, scared person. I didn't have any love in my heart, except for myself. Even then, I was absolutely miserable. When the Lord saved me, He opened my heart to love Him and others. For the first time, I'd been willing to forge relationships and to tKe the risk of being hurt or heartbroken when difficulties came.
I have asked the Lord in prayer to draw out sins in my life, that I may confess and turn from them. It seems like God is drawing out a lot of old bitterness in my heart, which can be deeply discouraging. If He is indeed doing this right now, then pray that I would not be discouraged, but that I would be faithful to confess this sin and thankful that God has forgiven this sin and is removing it from me.
James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." I guess this is what I've been asking you readers to do for me. I don't know if you have, but if you have done so, then I am thankful to God and to you for your faithfulness.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Finding help
How you ever had an experience on Facebook (or any social media, for that matter) that was eye-opening for you? That happened to me this week.
Lately, it seemed like I've really been struggling to trust in the Lord like I should be. Looking back, I had been letting difficult circumstances determine how much I was trusting God (or wasn't). Somewhere along the way, I guess I just chose not to trust Him like I ought to, even though I knew I should. My struggles in trusting The Lord were such that it really had me wondering if I was actually saved at all.
Anyway, to Facebook. On my wall, I will typically get verses posted that either someone has written out or have made into some kind of graphic. The other day, someone had posted a portion of Hebrews chapter 4; verse 13 standing out in particular for me: "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to Him with whom we have to do."
When I read that verse, I had a sudden realization. It occurred to me that God sees me as I cannot see myself, He sees the sins I struggle with, He see what I've done and will do, and still, He loves me. The Lord loves me with an everlasting love, and has drawn me to Himself with His lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3).
It encouraged me in a way I haven't felt in a very long time. Lately, I've realized how much I've been failing to love the Lord and love others. I needed to be reminded that God is always faithful to love me.
…
Today, I found out that my co-worker, Christina, is facing possible surgery for the issues she's had with her back. She told me that she has some bad disks and they've been affecting her sciatic nerve, which has been causing her considerable pain. She's going to be back at work on Monday. pray for her, as she considers her options for her dealing with her health issues. Also, pray that I would take the opportunity to share the gospel with her. I had started sharing some things about the gospel several months ago, when her uncle passed away.
Thankfully, we got another new packer today, out of the blue. His name is Alfredo, an older guy who came to us through a temp agency. He said he had to take the job because he had another higher-paying job fall through, as his car had been repossessed. It made me stop and think about how a lot of people are still struggling financially. I've gone through an extended period of unemployment, but I didn't have debts like this hanging over my head. i feel very blessed that I didn't make bad financial decisions that would've been disastrous.
Lately, it seemed like I've really been struggling to trust in the Lord like I should be. Looking back, I had been letting difficult circumstances determine how much I was trusting God (or wasn't). Somewhere along the way, I guess I just chose not to trust Him like I ought to, even though I knew I should. My struggles in trusting The Lord were such that it really had me wondering if I was actually saved at all.
Anyway, to Facebook. On my wall, I will typically get verses posted that either someone has written out or have made into some kind of graphic. The other day, someone had posted a portion of Hebrews chapter 4; verse 13 standing out in particular for me: "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to Him with whom we have to do."
When I read that verse, I had a sudden realization. It occurred to me that God sees me as I cannot see myself, He sees the sins I struggle with, He see what I've done and will do, and still, He loves me. The Lord loves me with an everlasting love, and has drawn me to Himself with His lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3).
It encouraged me in a way I haven't felt in a very long time. Lately, I've realized how much I've been failing to love the Lord and love others. I needed to be reminded that God is always faithful to love me.
…
Today, I found out that my co-worker, Christina, is facing possible surgery for the issues she's had with her back. She told me that she has some bad disks and they've been affecting her sciatic nerve, which has been causing her considerable pain. She's going to be back at work on Monday. pray for her, as she considers her options for her dealing with her health issues. Also, pray that I would take the opportunity to share the gospel with her. I had started sharing some things about the gospel several months ago, when her uncle passed away.
Thankfully, we got another new packer today, out of the blue. His name is Alfredo, an older guy who came to us through a temp agency. He said he had to take the job because he had another higher-paying job fall through, as his car had been repossessed. It made me stop and think about how a lot of people are still struggling financially. I've gone through an extended period of unemployment, but I didn't have debts like this hanging over my head. i feel very blessed that I didn't make bad financial decisions that would've been disastrous.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Hoping and trusting and delighting
Once again, I'm watching an old episode of Emergency! as I write this. The paramedics, Gage and DeSoto, have rescued an escape artist who seems to be trapped in a trunk hanging on a crane over the water. Just when DeSoto told Gage the artist's secret (he wasn't in the trunk), Gage realizes that somehow the artist must've gotten out of the trunk and hidden himself without any of his magician friends noticing after they had locked him in, but can't figure out how.
...
I was supposed to go to the DMV yesterday to see about renewing my learner's permit. Late Friday night, I decided to break the appointment. I realized that I wasn't ready to take the test, and it would've been less of a strain financially if I waited another week, until after I got paid again.
When I went to the DMV website earlier today to set a new appointment, the system was temporarily unavailable. Oh well.
...
This morning, I got back to church for the first time in a few weeks. Our message was out of Psalm 119, on the spiritual revival we can gain from Scripture. Repeatedly, the psalmist emphasizes the comfort he can take in God's Word. He seeks the good Word of God over the vain things of mortal life.
I was deeply convicted by the fact that I was failing to take delight in the Word of God, and had been choosing worldly pleasures instead. I wasn't trusting God and I wasn't trusting His Word. I was struggling to feel God's love when His love is meant to be experienced and shared with others, not kept to oneself as I had been. It seems like this few months have seen slowly start to withdraw from my brothers and sisters in Christ, and because I haven't been loving others as I should be, my love for them, and for The Lord, has grown so cold. It's been wrong for me to do this; I'd been so self-involved with my work issues, I failed to even realize what I was doing, or rather, not doing.
I ask that you who read this, pray that I would choose to love and honor God and His Word. Pray that I would continue to confess distrust and bitterness in my own life, and that I would turn from it. Sometimes, it's so discouraging to keep confessing the same old sins, but 1 John 1:9 reminds us that "(i)f we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness". (NIV) Pray that I would trust in God's faithfulness to forgive me of the sins I confess to Him, and that I would be faithful to confess.
...
I was supposed to go to the DMV yesterday to see about renewing my learner's permit. Late Friday night, I decided to break the appointment. I realized that I wasn't ready to take the test, and it would've been less of a strain financially if I waited another week, until after I got paid again.
When I went to the DMV website earlier today to set a new appointment, the system was temporarily unavailable. Oh well.
...
This morning, I got back to church for the first time in a few weeks. Our message was out of Psalm 119, on the spiritual revival we can gain from Scripture. Repeatedly, the psalmist emphasizes the comfort he can take in God's Word. He seeks the good Word of God over the vain things of mortal life.
I was deeply convicted by the fact that I was failing to take delight in the Word of God, and had been choosing worldly pleasures instead. I wasn't trusting God and I wasn't trusting His Word. I was struggling to feel God's love when His love is meant to be experienced and shared with others, not kept to oneself as I had been. It seems like this few months have seen slowly start to withdraw from my brothers and sisters in Christ, and because I haven't been loving others as I should be, my love for them, and for The Lord, has grown so cold. It's been wrong for me to do this; I'd been so self-involved with my work issues, I failed to even realize what I was doing, or rather, not doing.
I ask that you who read this, pray that I would choose to love and honor God and His Word. Pray that I would continue to confess distrust and bitterness in my own life, and that I would turn from it. Sometimes, it's so discouraging to keep confessing the same old sins, but 1 John 1:9 reminds us that "(i)f we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness". (NIV) Pray that I would trust in God's faithfulness to forgive me of the sins I confess to Him, and that I would be faithful to confess.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
More work talk
I think tonight's post is going to be short. With my DMV appointment on Saturday, I need the time to review the handbook when I get home. If I want any choice of posting this on time, it needs to be written briefly and early. I'm not too worried about the DMV appointment, though. As I review the handbook, stuff starts coming back that I've forgotten. All those things about signs and legal turns that everyone with a license is supposed to know but nobody seems to think about. I think I'll be alright.
…
Today being Thursday, once again, we are overwhelmed with work. Today marks the first time I've ever told a manager that I didn't think we could get everything out on time. He had come looking for someone to help out with lacking in offset printing. I had to tell him that we couldn't spare anything and that we were already short handed ourselves.
…
I'm home now, and about two and a half hours past that last paragraph. Fortunately, we got some much-needed help from a couple of other packers and were jus barely able to get everything out for today. I think the whole company (at least on the production side) is starting to feel the pinch.
Apparently, quite a number of people didn't show up today. I think I'm not the only one now who's realized how much busier we are on Thursdays than any other day. Also, digital's new third-shift cutter, Isaac, came in tonight long enough to quit. One of our cutters on second shift, Manny, thought he was kidding until he started walking away. I admitted that I've seriously thought about doing that myself, but that I wouldn't quit until I had something else to fall back on.
I joked that if I found another job tomorrow, they wouldn't see me on Monday. Lord knows I'm tempted to do that.
…
Today being Thursday, once again, we are overwhelmed with work. Today marks the first time I've ever told a manager that I didn't think we could get everything out on time. He had come looking for someone to help out with lacking in offset printing. I had to tell him that we couldn't spare anything and that we were already short handed ourselves.
…
I'm home now, and about two and a half hours past that last paragraph. Fortunately, we got some much-needed help from a couple of other packers and were jus barely able to get everything out for today. I think the whole company (at least on the production side) is starting to feel the pinch.
Apparently, quite a number of people didn't show up today. I think I'm not the only one now who's realized how much busier we are on Thursdays than any other day. Also, digital's new third-shift cutter, Isaac, came in tonight long enough to quit. One of our cutters on second shift, Manny, thought he was kidding until he started walking away. I admitted that I've seriously thought about doing that myself, but that I wouldn't quit until I had something else to fall back on.
I joked that if I found another job tomorrow, they wouldn't see me on Monday. Lord knows I'm tempted to do that.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Work news and permits
It's almost 4:00 pm as I attempt to write today's post. I'm trying to fight off taking a nap right now.
Today's been one of those days where nothing seems to be going on at all. After the busy week I've had, it's nice to have these quiet moments. My brother is on the other side of the room from me, watching a rerun of Mr. Belvedere. He seems to be really getting into it.
…
An update to an item mentioned in last Thursday's post:
I called the number my brother Joe gave me for his boss, Dave. As I wrote previously, Joe told me his company was looking for a new person for their shipping department.
I spoke to the manager on Friday morning. When I called Dave, he told me that the owner had decided to try out her granddaughter in the position. Regardless, he asked me to send along my résumé in case anything should happen. I've prayed about it and God may open this door. However, I know that God may not mean this place for me, but I pray that I would trust Him in all things.
…
Near the end of the workday on Friday night, I told a couple of people at work that I was trying to find another job. As I got to talking to them, I realized that I was not the only person who had realized how difficult our work situation was becoming. Our workload is increasing, but our ability to come up with it has not. My fear is that eventually we are going to be perpetually behind in our work. As I think about it, we're already there, but the difference may be just how far behind we fall before it just becomes unworkable.
…
This Saturday, I have an appointment at the DMV to get my learner's permit.
I am thirty, by the way. And, I fully realize how late that is to be getting a license.
I think the reason why I haven't gotten my license sooner is that having one wouldn't have made much of a difference in my life. I don't own a car and am not likely to own one any time soon. I'm doing it now because Dad has decided to try and teach me again, and my previous permit had expired.
Today I had meant to take the time and review the handbook, but I'm already trying to shake off a headache. I've already taken the written test before, so I'm not really worried about it. Also, I have time during the week before and after work that I can use to review. The difficulty is in making the effort to review. Anyway, hopefully things will go well and that sometime within the next few months, I'll finally become a licensed driver.
Today's been one of those days where nothing seems to be going on at all. After the busy week I've had, it's nice to have these quiet moments. My brother is on the other side of the room from me, watching a rerun of Mr. Belvedere. He seems to be really getting into it.
…
An update to an item mentioned in last Thursday's post:
I called the number my brother Joe gave me for his boss, Dave. As I wrote previously, Joe told me his company was looking for a new person for their shipping department.
I spoke to the manager on Friday morning. When I called Dave, he told me that the owner had decided to try out her granddaughter in the position. Regardless, he asked me to send along my résumé in case anything should happen. I've prayed about it and God may open this door. However, I know that God may not mean this place for me, but I pray that I would trust Him in all things.
…
Near the end of the workday on Friday night, I told a couple of people at work that I was trying to find another job. As I got to talking to them, I realized that I was not the only person who had realized how difficult our work situation was becoming. Our workload is increasing, but our ability to come up with it has not. My fear is that eventually we are going to be perpetually behind in our work. As I think about it, we're already there, but the difference may be just how far behind we fall before it just becomes unworkable.
…
This Saturday, I have an appointment at the DMV to get my learner's permit.
I am thirty, by the way. And, I fully realize how late that is to be getting a license.
I think the reason why I haven't gotten my license sooner is that having one wouldn't have made much of a difference in my life. I don't own a car and am not likely to own one any time soon. I'm doing it now because Dad has decided to try and teach me again, and my previous permit had expired.
Today I had meant to take the time and review the handbook, but I'm already trying to shake off a headache. I've already taken the written test before, so I'm not really worried about it. Also, I have time during the week before and after work that I can use to review. The difficulty is in making the effort to review. Anyway, hopefully things will go well and that sometime within the next few months, I'll finally become a licensed driver.
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